nmn: 



i 



iiji'llii? 



w^m^^{ 



mivi 



k 



n 









o 







Book .l:Ls y^i 

Copyright ]^° 

COPyRIGHT DEPOSrc 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



UNITED STATES; 



PKKPAKED 



ESPECIALLY FOR SCHOOLS: 



NEW AND COMPEEHENSIYE PLAN, EMBKACING THE FEATURES 



LYMAN'S HISTORICAL CHART' 



JOHN CLARK RIDPATH, LL. D., 

Azithor of a Popular History of the United States; an Academic History of the United 

States : an Inductive Grammar; a Life and Work of Garfield; Great 

Races of Mankind ; Cyclopcedia of Universal History; etc., etc. 

GRAMMAR SCHOOE EDITION. 



ILLUSTRATED WITH CHARTS, MAPS, PORTRAITS, SKETCHES, AND DIAGRAMS. 



NEWYOilK .;. CINCINNATI •:. CHICAGO 

AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY 



LI 15 

1 
Eclectic Educational Series. 



LIBRARY nf CONGRESS 
Two CoDles Received 
AUG 9 1904 



Q^ Cooyrisrht Entry 
CLASS Cc xxe. Na 

9/ (, (> 



COPY 



t1 



McGvffey's Revised Headers, Speller and Charts, 
Ray^s New Arithmetics and Algebras. 
White's New Arithmetics. 
Milne's Inductive Arithmetics and Algebra, 
Schuyler's Complete Algebra^ and Geometry, 
Eclectic School Geometry, 
Harvey's Revised Grammars, 
Holbrook's Normal Grammars, 
Ridpath's Inductive Grammar, 
New Eclectic Geographies, 
New Eclectic Penmanship, 
Eclectic System of Drawing, 
Eorbriger's Drawing Tablets. 
Eclectic Histories of the United States. 
Thalheimer's Historical Series. 
Ridpath's Histories of the United States, 
■ Edectic Complete Book-Keeping. 
Murdoch's Analytic Elocution. 
Kidd's New Elocution, 

EtCf Etc., Etc. 



Descriptive Catalogue and Price List on application. 



Copyright, 1876, by John T. Jones. 



Copyright, 1904, by Roxaua S. Ridpath. 



PREFACE. 



I OFFER to American boys and girls a new history of 'their 
country. My hope has been to make them love the inspiring 
story. 

In the preparation of this little book, the following objects 
have been kept in view: 

I. To give an accurate and spirited Narrative of the principal 
events in our country's history from the discovery of America to 
the present time. 

II. To present a clear and systematic Arrangement of the sev- 
eral subjects, giving to every fact, whether of peace or war, its 
true place and proportion in the narrative. 

III. To give an 01:)jective Representation by means of charts, 
maps, and drawings, of all the more important facts of our his- 
tory. 

IV. To employ such a Style and Method as seem best adapted 
to fix the attention of the student and to awaken his enthusiasm. 

Whether I have succeeded in this work, it is not mme to de- 
cide. If success has not rewarded the effort, the failure has been 
in the execution rather than in the plan and purpose. 

I surrender this New Grammar School History of the 
United States to those for whose benefit it was begun and has 
been finished. I ask of teacher and student a just recognition 
of whatever worth the work may be found to possess, and a char- 
itable criticism of its defects. 

J. C. R. 

DePauw University, 
Jan. 1st, 1885. 



(V) 



CONTENTS. 



Paob 

Preface 5 

Contents 6-8 

Introduction ^10 

PART I. 

c„,p„K ABOKIGINAL AMEKICA. 

I.— The Red Men a U-14 

PART II. 
VOYAGE AND DISCOVERY. 

II.— The Icelanders and Norwegians in America 15-17 

III.— Spanish Discoveries 18-21 

IV.— Spanish Discoveries.— Continued 22-29 

v.— Tlie French in America 29-35 

VI.— English Discoveries and Settlements 35-42 

VII.— English Discoveries and Settlements.— Continued 43-48 

VIII.— Voyages and Settlements of the Dutch 48-50 

PART III. 
COLONIAL HISTORY. 

I. PARENT COLONIES. 

IX.— Virginia.— The First Charter 51-57 

X.— Virginia.— The Second Charter 58-60 

XI.— Virginia.— The Third Charter 61-65 

XII.— Virginia.— The Royal Government 66-72 

XIII.— Massachvisetts.- Settlement 73-81 

XIV.— Massachusetts.— The Union.... 82-85 

XV.— Massachusetts.— King Philip's War 86-92 

XVI.— Massachusetts.— War and Witchcraft 93-97 

XVII.— Massachusetts.— Wars of Anne and George 97-102 

XVIII.— New York.— Settlement 103-107 

XIX.— New York.— Administration of Stuyvesant 107-110 

XX.— New York under the English 111-119 

II. MINOR EASTERN COLONIES. 

XXI.-Connecticut 120-126 

XXII.-Rhode Island 127-130 

XXIII.-New Hampshire 131-133 

III. MINOR MIDDLE COLONIES. 

XXIV.-New Jersey 134-138 

XXV.-Pennsylvania 139-14S 

rV. MINOR SOUTHERN COLONIES. 

XXVI.— Maryland H4-H8 

XXVII.-North Carolina.- 149-lci 

(vi) 



CONTENTS. jji\ 

Chaptkb p^jCg 

XXVIII.— South Carolina 152-156 

XXIX.— Georgia 156-160 

V. FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 

XXX. — Causes 161-164 

XXXI.— Campaigns of Washington and Braddock 165-167 

XXXII.— Ruin of Acadia 168-169 

XXXIII.— Expeditions of Shirley and Johnson 170-172 

XXXIV.— Two Years of Successes 173-178 

PAKT IV. 

KEVOLUTION AND CONFEDERATION. 

XXXV.-Causes 179-186 

XXXVI.— The Beginning 187-192 

XXXVII.-The Work of '76 , 192-200 

XXXVIII.-Operationsof '77 200-207 

XXXIX.-France to the Rescue 208-212 

XL.-Movements of '79 213-216 

XLI.— Reverses and Treason 216-221 

XLIL— TheEnd 221-228 

XLIII.-Confederation and Union 229-232 

PART V. 

NATIONAL PERIOD. 

XLIV.— Washington's Administration 233-237 

XLV.— Adams's Administration 238-240 

XLVI.— Jefferson's Administration 241-247 

XLVII.— Madison's Administration and War of 1812 247-252 

XLV^III.- Warof 1812.-Continued 252-257 

XLIX.— The Campaigns of '14 258-264 

L.— Monroe's Administration 264-267 

LI.— Adams's Administration 268-269 

LII.— Jackson's Administration 270-274 

LIII.— Van Buren's Administration 275-277 

LIV.— Administrations of Harrison and Tyler 277-261 

LV.— Polk's Administration and the Mexican War 281-289 

LVI.— Administrations of Taylor and Fillmore 290-294 

LVII.— Pierce's Administration 295-296 

LVIII.— Buchanan's Administration 297-300 

LIX.— Lincoln's Administration and the Civil War 301-30;i 

LX.— The Causes 303-300 

LXI.— First Year of the War 306-311 

LXIL-Campaigns of '62 312-319 

LXIII.-The Work of '63 320-326 

LXIV.-Tho Closing Conflicts 327-338 

LXV.-Johnson's Administration 339-»43 

LXVI.— Grant's Administration 343-352 

LX VII.— Hayes's Administration 353-361 

LXVIII.— Administrations of Garfield and Arthur 362-369 

LXIX.— Cleveland's Administration 370-380 

LXX.— Harrison's Administration ;^-391 

LXXI— Cleveland's Second Administration 391-394 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Chart 


T.- 


Chart 


ir.- 


Chart III.- 


Chart IV.- 


Chart 


V.- 


Map 


I.- 


Map 


11.- 


Map 


JII.- 


Map 


IV.- 


Map 


V. 



I. CHARTS AND MAPS. Pa«b 

-Voyage and Discovery 18 

-Colonial Period 52 

-Revolution and Confederation 180 

-National Period— First Section 234 

-National Period— Second Section 276 

-Voyage and Discovery 36 

-English Grants... 44 

-French, English, Dutch, Swedish, and Spanish Provinces 108 

-The United States at the Close of the Revolution 228 

-The Territorial Growth of the United States 346 

II. PORTRAITS. 



Adams, Samuel 185 

Adams, John 239 

Baltimore, Lord 145 

Brandt, Joseph 211 

Burgoyne, John 203 

Calhoun, John C 293 

Chase, Salmon P 342 

Clay, Henry 292 

Cleveland, Grover 370 

Columbus, Christopher 19 

Cornwallis, Lord 227 

Davis, Jefferson 309 

Farragut, David G 331 

Franklin, Benjamin 209 

Fulton, Robert 246 

Garfield, J,ames A 363 

Grant, Ulysses S 344 

Greeley, Horace 346 

Greene, Nathanael 225 

Hamilton, Alexander 231 

Harrison, Benjamin 381 

Henry, Patrick 182 

Houston, Sam 298 

Hudson, Henry *.'....... 103 

Jackson, Andrew 270 



Jackson, Stonewall 324 

Jefferson, Thomas 241 

Lee, Robert E 317 

Lincoln, Abraham 301 

Marion, Francis 7 218 

Marshall, John 243 

Morse, Samuel F. B 280 

Norse Sea-King 16 

Oglethorpe, James 157 

Penn, William.^ 140 

Scott, Winfield 287 

Seward, William H 311 

Sherman, William T 330 

Smith, John 52 

Stephens, Alexander H 300 

Stuyvesant, Peter 109 

Sumner, Charles 348 

Taylor, Zachary 290 

Thomas, George H 329 

Washington, George 233 

Webster,:Daniel 271 

Winthiop, John 76 

Winthrop, the Younger 124 

Wolfe, James 175 



III. TOPOGRAPHICAL DIAGRAMS. 



Jamestown and Vicinity 56 

Early Settlements in New England. 80 

First Scene of King Philip's War 87 

Second " " " " " 88 

Third " " " " " 89 

Siege of Louisburg 101 

Scene of the Pequod War 122 

East and West Jersey 136 

Philadelphia and Vicinity 142 

Country of the Savannah 159 

First Scene of the French and In- 
dian War 163 

Scene of Braddock's Defeat 167 

The Acadian Isthmus 168 

Vicinity of Lake George 170 

Vicinity of Quebec 174 

Scene of the Battle of Bunker Hill... 189 

Siege of Boston 193 

Battle of Long Island 196 

Scene of Operations about N. Y 197 

Battles of Trenton and Princeton 199 



Scene of Burgoyne's Invasion 204 

Encampment at Valley Forge 207 

Siege of Charleston 217 

Scene of Operations in the South 219 

Scene of Arnold's Treason 220 

Siege of Yorktown 226 

Scene of Hull's Campaign 250 

The Niagara Frontier 251 

Scene of the Creek War 255 

Scene of Taylor's Campaign 282 

Scene of Scott's Campaign 286 

Scene of Operations in West Va 307 

Vicinity of Manassas Junction 308 

Scene of Operations in South-west.. 310 
Scene of Campaigns in Virginia, 

Maryland and Pennsylvania 316 

Vicinity of Richmond 318 

Vicksburg and Vicinity 321 

Sherman's Campaign 328 

Operations in Virginia 334 

Scene of the Sioux War, 1876 350 



IV. SKETCHES. 

Specimen of Indian Writing 13 

The Treaty between Governor Carver and Massasoit !!...'."!....!. 74 

Roger Williams's Reception by the Indians 78 

The Old Stone Tower at Newport 128 

The Exile of the Acadian* 169 

The Memorial Hall , .".',"f 349 

(Viii) 



IK"TEODTJCTIOIs' 



npHERE are five periods in the history of tlie United States. 

It is important for the student to understand these at the 

beginning. Without such an understanding his notion of our 

country's history will be confused and his study rendered difficult. 

2. First of all there Was a time when the Western continent 
was under the dominion of the Red men. The savage races pos- 
sessed the soil, hunted in the forests, roamed over the prairies. 
This is the Aboriginal Period in American history. 

3. After the discovery of America, the people of Europe were 
for a long time engaged in exploring the New World and in 
making themselves familiar with its shape and character. For 
more than a hundred years, curiosity was the leading passion with 
the adventurers who came to our shores. Their disposition was 
to go everywhere and settle nowhere. These early times may be 
called the Period of Voyage and Discovery. 

4. Next came the time of planting colonies. The adventurers, 
tired of wandering about, became anxious to found new States in 
the wilderness. Kings and queens turned their attention to the 
work of colonizing the New World. Thus arose a third period — 

the Period of Colonial History. 

(ix) 



X INTRODUCTION. 

5. The Colonies grew strong and multiplied. There were thir- 
teen little sea-shore republics. The rulers of the mother-country 
began a system of oppression and tyranny. The Colonies revolted, 
fought side by side, and won their freedom. Not satisfied with 
mere independence, they built them a Union strong and great. 
This is the Period of Revolution and Confederation. 

6. Then the United States of America entered upon their career 
as a nation. Three times tried by war, and many times vexed 
Avith civil dissensions, the Union established by our fathers still 
remains for us and for posterity. 

7. Collecting these results, we find in the history of our country: 
First. The Aboriginal Period; from remote antiquity to the 

coming of the White men. 

Second. The Period of Voyage and Discovery ; A. D. 986- 
1607. 

Third. The Colonial Period; A. D. 1607-1775. 

Fourth. The Period of Revolution and Confederation; 
A. B. 1775-1789. 

Fifth. The National Period; A. D. 1789-1890. 

In this order the History of tlie United States will be presented, 
in the following pages. 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



PART I. 

ABORIGINAL AMERICA. 



CHAPTER I. 
THE RED MEN. 



THE primitive inhabitants of the New World were tlie Red men 
called Indians. The name Indian was given to them from 
their supposed identity with the people of India. Columbus and 
his followers believed that they had reached the islands of the far 
East, and that the natives were of the same race with the inhab- 
itants of the Indies. The mistake of the Spaniards was soon dis- 
covered ; but the name Indian has ever since remained to designate 
the native tribes of the "Western continent. 

2. The origin of the Indians is involved in obscurity. At what 
date or by what route they came to the New World is unknown. 
The notion that the Red men are the descendants of the Israelites 
is absurd. That Europeans or Africans, at some early period, 
crossed the Atlantic by sailing from island to island, seems im- 
probable. That the people of Kamtchatka came by way of Behring 
Strait into the northwestern parts of America, has little evidence 
to support it. Perhaps a more thorough knowledge of the Indian 
languages may yet throw some light on the oi'igin of the race. 

3. The Indians belong to the Bow-and-Arrow family of men. 
To the Red man the chase was everything. Without the chase he 

(11) 



12 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

languished and died. To smite the deer and the bear was his chief 
delight and profit. Such a race could live only in a country of 
woods and wild animals. 

4. The northern parts of America were inhabited by the Esqui- 
isiAux. The name means the eaters of raw ineat They lived in 
snow huts or hovels. Their manner of life was that of fishermen 
and hunters. They clad themselves in winter with the skins of 
seals, and in summer, with those of reindeers. 

5. The greater portion of the United States east of the Missis- 
sippi was peopled by the family of the Algonquins. They were 
divided into many tribes, each having its local name and tradition. 
Agriculture Avas but little practiced by them. They roamed about 
from one hunting-ground and river to another. When the White 
men came, the Algonquin nations were already declining in num- 
bers and influence. Only a few thousands now remain. 

0. Around the shores of Lakes Erie and Ontario lived the 
Huron-Iroquois. At the time of their greatest power, they em- 
braced no fewer than nine nations. The warriors of this confederacy 
presented the Indian character in its best aspect. They were brave, 
[)atriotic, and eloquent; faithful as friends, but terrible as enemies.- 

7. South of the Algonquins were the Cherokees and the Mo- 
BILIAN Nations. The former were highly civilized for a primitive 
people. The principal tribes of the Mobilians were the Yamassees 
and Creeks of Georgia, the Seminoles of Florida, and the Choc- 
taws and Chickasaws of Mississippi. These displayed the usual 
disposition and habits of the Ked men. 

8. West of the Mississippi was the family of the Dakotas. 
South of these, in a district nearly corresponding with the State of 
Texas, lived the wild Comanches. Beyond the Rocky Mountains 
were the Indian nations of the Plains; the great famihes of the 
Shoshonees, the Selish, the Klamaths, and the Califor 
nians. On the Pacific slope, fai-ther southward, dwelt in former 
times the civilized but feeble race of Aztecs. 

9. The Red men had a great passion for war. Their wars were 
undertaken for revenge, rather than conquest. To forgive an in- 
jury was considered a shame. Revenge was the noblest of the 
virtues. The open battle of the field was unknown in Indian 



THE RED MEN. 



13 



warfare. Fightmg was limited to the ambuscade and the massacre. 
Quarter was rarely asked, and never granted. 

■ 10. In times of peace the Indian character appeared to a better 
advantage. But the Red man was always unsocial and solitary. 
He sat by himself in the woods. The forest was better than a 
wigwam, and a wigwam better than a village. The Indian Avoman 
was a degraded creature — a mere drudge and beast of burden. 
11. In the matter of tlie arts the Indian was a barbarian. His 




SPECIMEN OF INDIAN WRITING. 



Translation: Eight soldiers (9), with muskets (10), commanded by a captain 
(1), and accompanied by a secretary (2), a geologist (3), three attendants (4, 5, 6), 
and two Indian guides (7, 8), encamped here. They had three camp fires 
(13, 14, 15), and ate a turtle and prairie hen (11, 12), for supper. 

house was a hovel, built of poles set up in a circle, and covered 
with skins and the branches of trees. Household utensils were 
few and rude. Earthen pots, bags and pouches for carrying pro- 
visions, and stone hammers for pounding corn, were the stock and 
store. His weapons of offence and defence were the hatchet and 
the bow and arrow. In times of war, the Red man painted his 
face and body with all manner of glaring colors. The fine arts 
were wanting. Indian writing consisted of half-intelligible hiero- 
glyphics scratched on the face of rocks or cut in the bark of trees. 
12. The Indian languages bear little resemblance to those of 
other races. The Red man's vocabulary was very limited. The 



14 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

principal objects of nature had special names, but abstract ideas 
could hardly be expressed. Indian words had a very intense mean- 
ing. There wps, for instance, no word signifying to hunt or to fisfi; 
but one word signified " to-kill-a-deer-with-an-arrow ;" another, 
"to-take-fish-1 y-striking-the-ice." Among some of the tribes, the 
meaning of v >rds was so restricted that the warrior would use one 
term and the squaw another to express the same idea. 

13, The Indians were generally serious in manners and behavior. 
Sometimes, however, they gave themselves up to merry-making and 
hilarity. The dance was universal — not the social dance of civilized 
nations, but the solemn dance of religion and of war. Gaming was 
much practiced among all the tribes. Other amusements were com- 
mon, such as running, wrestling, shooting at a mark, and racing in 
canoes. 

14. In personal appearance the Indians were strongly marked. 
In statuie they were below the average of Europeans. The Esqui- 
maux are rarely five feet high. The Algonquins are taller and 
lighter in build; straight and agile; lean and swift of foot. The 
eyes are jet-black and sunken ; hair black and straight ; skin cop- 
per-colored or brown ; hands and feet small ; body lithe, but not 
strong; expression sinister, or sometimes dignified and noble. 

15. The best hopes of the Indian race seem now to center in 
the Choctaws, Cherokees, Creeks, and Chickasaws of the Indian 
Territory. These nations have attained a considerable degree of 
civilization. Most of the other tribes are declining in numbers and 
influence. Whether the Indians have been justly deprived of the 
New World will remain a subject of debate ; that they have been 
deprived can be none. The White races have taken possession of 
the vast domain. To the prairies and forests, the hunting-grounds 
of his fathers, the Red man says farewell. 



The name 7nc7/a«.— Origin of tlie race considered.— Not Israelites.— Not Euro- 
peans.— Devotion of tlie Indians to the chase.— The Esquimaux.— Their posi- 
tion and ]\abits.-The Algonquins.— Tlieir character.— The Huron-Iroquois.— 
Cherokees and Mohilians.-The Dakotas.— Races of the West.— Indian principles 
of war.— Disposition in peace.— Indian aits.— Implements.— Writing. -Language. 
— Mauuei-s and customs.— Personal appearance.— Decline of the race. 



PART II. 

VOYAGE AND DISCOVERY. 

A. D. 986—1607. 



CHAPTER 11. 
THE ICELANDERS AND NORWEGIANS IN AMERICA. 

THE western continent was first seen by white men in A. D. 
986. A Norse navigator by the name of Herjulfson, sailing 
from Iceland to Greenland, was caught in a storm and driven 
westward to Newfoundland or Labrador. Two or three times the 
shores were seen, but no landing was made or attempted. The 
coast was low, abounding in forests, and so different from the well- 
known cliffs of Greenland as to make it certain that another shore 
hitherto unknown was in sight. On reaching Greenland, Herjulf- 
son and his companions told wonderful stories of the new lands 
seen in the west. 

2, Fourteen years later, the actual discovery of America was 
made by Leif Erickson. Resolving to know the truth about 
the country which Herjulfson had seen, he sailed westward from 
Greenland, and in the spring of the year 1001 reached Labrador. 
Landing with his companions, he made explorations for a con- 
siderable distance along the coast. The country was milder and 
more attractive than his own, and he was in no haste to return. 
Southward he went as far as Massachusetts, where the company 
remained for more than a year. Rhode Island was also visited ; 

(15) 



16 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



and it is alleged that the adventurers found their way into New 
York harbor. 

3. In the years that followed Leif Erickson's discovery, other 
companies of Norsemen came to the shores of America. Thor- 
WALD, Leif's brother, made a voyage to Maine and Massachusetts 
in 1002, and is said to have died at Fall Kiver in the latter State. 
Then another brother, Thorstein by name, arrived with a band 
of followers in 1005 ; and in the year 1007, Thorfinn Karlsefne, 
the most distinguished mariner of his day, came with a crew of a 
hundred and fifty men, and made explorations along the coast of 

Massachusetts, Rhode 
Island, and perhaps 
as far south as the 
capes of Virginia. 

4. Other compa- 
nies of Icelanders and 
Norwegians visited 
the countries farther 
north, and planted 
colonies in Newfound- 
land and Nova Scotia. 
Little, however, was 
known or imagined by 
these rude sailors of the 
extent of the country 
which they had discov- 
ered. They supposed 
that it was only a por- 
tion of Western Green- 
land which, bending to 
the north around an 
arm of the ocean, had 
reappeared in the west. 
The settlements which were made were feeble and soon broken up. 
Commerce was an impossibility in a country where there were only 
a few wretched savages with no disposition to buy and nothing at 
all to sell. The spirit of adventure was soon appeased, and the 




A NOUSE SEA-KING OF THE ELEVENTH CENTURY. 



ICELANDERS AND NOR WEQIANS IN AMERICA. 17 

restless Northmen returned to their own country. To this unde- 
fined line of coast, now vaguely known to them, the Norse sailors 
gave the name of Vinland. 

^ 5. During the twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth centuries occa- 
sional voyages were made; and as late as A. D. 1347, a Norwegian 
ship visited Labrador and the north-eastern parts of the United 
States. In 1350, Greenland and Vinland were depopulated by a 
great plague which had spread thither from Norway. From that 
time forth communication with the New World ceased, and the 
history of the Northmen in America was at an end. The Norse 
remains, which have been found at Newport, at Fall Eiver, and 
several other places, point clearly to the events here narrated ; and 
the Icelandic historians give a consistent account of these early 
exploits of their countrymen. When the word America is men- 
tioned in the hearing of the schoolboys of Iceland, they will at 
once answer, with enthusiasm, *'0h, yes; Leif Erickson discovered 
that country in the year 1001." 

6. An event is to be weighed by its consequences. From the 
discovery of America by the Norsemen, notldmj whatever resulted. 
The world was neither wiser nor better. Among the Icelanders 
tliemselves the place and the very name of Vinland were forgotten. 
Europe never heard of such a country or such a discovery. His- 
torians have until late years been incredulous on the subject, and 
the fact is as though it had never been. The curtain which had 
been lifted for a moment was stretched again from sky to sea, and 
the New World still lay hidden in the shadows. 



Herjulfson is driven by a storm to the American coast.— Leif Erickson 
discovers America.— Tliorwald and Tliorstein Erickson make voyages.— Tlior- 
finn Karlsefne explores the shores of Maine and Massachusetts. -Other 
voyages are made by the Norsemen.— Communication with the New World Is 
broken off by the plague.— Nothing practical results from the Icelandic discov- 
ei'ies. 



18 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER III. 
SPANISH DISCOVERIES IN AMERICA. 

IT was reserved for the people of a sunnier clime than Iceland first 
to make known to the European nations the existence of a West- 
ern continent. Spain was the happy country under whose patron- 
age a new world was to be added to the old ; but the man who was 
destined to make the revelation was not himself a Spaniard : he 
was to come from Italy, the land of valor and the home of great- 
ness. Christopher Columbus was the name of that man whom 
after ages have rewarded with imperishable fame. 

2. The idea that the world is round was not original with Colum- 
bus. The English traveler, Sir John Mandeville, had declared in 
the first English book ever written (A. D. 1356) that the world is 
a sphere; that he himself, when traveling northward, had seen the 
polar star approach the zenith, and that on going southward, the 
antarctic constellations had risen overhead ; and that it was both 
possible and practicable for a man to sail around the world and 
return to the place of starting. But Columbus was the first prac- 
tical believer in the theory of circumnavigation; and although he 
never sailed around the world himself, he demonstrated the possi- 
bility of doing so. 

3. The great mistake with Columbus was not concerning the 
figure of the earth, but in regard to its size. He believed the 
world to be no more than ten thousand or twelve thousand miles 
in circumference. He therefore confidently expected that after 
sailing about three thousand miles to the westward, he should arrive 
at the East Indies ; and to do that was the one great purpose of 
his life. 

4. Christopher Columbus was born at Genoa, Italy, in A. D. 
1435. He was carefully educated, and then devoted himself to the 



Central Period of the 
Middle Ages. 

24. Conrad II. 

35. Union of Cas 

39. Henry the 
Blaek. 

.%. Henry IV. 

HOLSE OF CAPET IN 
FRANCE. 



lOOO 



llOO 



1200 



1300 



17. Canute, 



66. Willia 



DANISH KINGS IN ENQ- 
LAND. 



The NORMANS, 



52. Frederick Barbarossa. 

The CRU SADES. 
tile and Leon. 



8. liouis VI. 

37. liOUisVII. 

71. Conqn 

80. Plii 
35. Stephen. 



Henry I, 
m I. 



54. Henry II, 



The PLANT AGENETS. 



26. IiOni« IX. 85. Ph 



est of Ireland. 
Up II. 



15. Magna Cliarta gr 
72. Edwa 

ichard I. 

Heroic Age. 



iUpIV. 

16. PI 



anted, 
rdl. 

7. Edwii 

27. 



1. LEIF ERICKSON, an Icelandic 

navigator, sailing westward 
from Greenland, discovers 
the coast of Labrador, and 
makes explorations as far 
south as Rhode Island. 

marne Herjjulfson driven 
by a storm within sioht of the 
American coast A. I>. 986. 

2. Thorwald Erickson re- 

turns to America and re- 
mains three years. 

5. Thorstein Erickson co 
7. Thorfinn Karlsefne ex 



AMERICA 



THE WESTERN 



21. Erik Upsi sent as 



CONTINENT UNKNO 



bishop to Vinland. 



WN T( 



.C ^Ji^oj 




mes to America. 

plores the coast of Massachusetts, 



UNDER 



THE ABO 



RIG 



CMART I 



PERIOD OF VOYAGE AND DISCOVERY. 

A. D. 986-160T. 



Icelandic discoveiie 
Spanish " 

English " 

Frbnch " 

Dutch " 

portuoubsb " 



^± 



1400 



1500 



1600 





35. Columbus bo 


rn. 






15. John Huss. 






56. First book 


written in English, in 98. 


De Gania doubles the Cape 




which the a 


uthor, Sir John Mandeville, 


of Good Hope and reaches 




declares th 


e spherical figure of the 


the East Indies, 




earth and t 


he practicability of circuni- 






navigation. 




Luther. 


48. Treaty of 


80. Cba 


riesvi. ^nnting$n 


bentcti. 


Westpha- 
lia. 


V. 


22. Charles VII. 


The Reformatio 


n. 




61.1.ouisXI 


9. John Calvin. 




JSE OF VA- 




. 72. St.Ba 


rtholomew. 


LOIS. 




15. Francis I. 








89. H 


enry IV. 


77. Ricli 


ard II. 


19. Charles V. 


10. I,.ouis XIU. 




74, Ferdi 


nand and Isabella. 


43. Louis 






The PURITANS. 




85. He 


ury VII. 


XIV. 




Wars of the Roses. 


9. Henry VIII. 

47. Ednard VI. 


3. James I. 


I. 


The LANCASTERS. 


5.'^. Mary. 


25. Charles I. 


iliO^. 




58. Elizabet 


h. 


ward III. 


The TORKS. 


The TUDORS. 


The STUARTS. 




92. 


Columbus discovers the West 


Indies. 


HE EUROP 


EAN NATIONS. \. 


Second voyage. 
Third voyage. 




). The great pla 
Greenland, 


gue depopulat-es Iceland, ^^* 
and Vinlaud; communica- =*='• 


Discovers America. 

Amerigo VespUeei makes a 


voyage to South America. 


tionwith the 


New World is cut off. 


12. I>ft£<eon explores Flori 


da. 






25. De Ayllon in Caroli 


na. 






28. DeNarvaez makes 


explorations in Florida. 






39. De Soto in Ame 


rica. 






65. Meleiid 


ez founds St. Augustine. 




97. 


John Cabot discovers North 


America. 




98. 


Sebastian Cabot explores the 


American coast. 






78. Mar 


tin Frobisher's voyages. 


A company of 


Norsemen in America. 


79. »ra 
83. Gil 


ke on the Pacific coast. 
bert's voyage. 




77.Colu 


mbUS visits Iceland ■*** 


leigrh's attempts at coloni- 




and le 


arns of the New World. 


2. Gosnold's direct voyage. 

3. Pring's voyage. 

8. Waymouth in Maine. 

7. Settlement at James- 


^AL 


TRIBES. 




town. 

20. The Puritans at 
Plymouth. 




24. Terrazzani explor 


es the American coast. 






34. Cartier's expedit 


ion. 






42. Roberval in 


Canada. 






62. Ribault 
64. L.aadon 


with the Huguenots, 
niere's enterprise. 








98. 


l.a Roehe in Nova Scotia. 


'ee7i. 






4. DeMonts and Cham- 


How 






plain. 


d. 






5. Port Royal founded. 






8. Founding of Qaebec 


•own. 






9. Hudson in America. 


irpU. 






14. Explorations of 




1. Voyages of the Cortereals. 


Block and May. 






19. Sffagellan circumnav- 


14, Founding of New 






igates the globe. 


Amsterdam. 











SFAmSH DISCO VERIES IN AMERICA. 



19 



sea. His own inclination, as well as his early training, made him a 
sailor. For twenty years he traversed the parts of the Atlantic 
adjacent to Europe; he visited Iceland; then went to Portugal, 
and finally to Spain. For more than ten years the poor enthusiast 
was a beggar, going from 
court to court, explaining to 
dull monarchs the figure of 
the earth and the ease with 
which the rich islands of 
the East might be reached 
by sailing westward. He 
found one appreciative lis- 
tener, the noble and sym- 
pathetic Isabella, queen of 
Castile. Be it never for- 
gotten that to the faith 
and insight and decision 
of a woman the final suc- 
cess of Columbus must be 
attributed. 

5. On the morning of the 
3d day of August, 1492, 
Columbus, with his three 
ships, left the harbor of 
Palos. After seventy-one days of sailing, in the early dawn of 
October 12, Rodrigo Triana, a sailor on the Phita, set up a shout 
of "Land!" A gun was fired as the signal. The ships lay to. 
There was music and jubilee ; and just at sunrise Columbus stepped 
ashore, set up the banner of Castile in the presence of the natives, 
and named the island San Salvador. During the three remaining 
months of this first voyage the islands of Concepcion, Cuba, and 
Hayti were added to the list of discoveries; and on the bay of 
Caracola, in the last-named island, was erected a fort, the first 
structure built by Europeans in the New World. In the early 
part of January, 1493, Columbus sailed for Spain, where he 
arrived in March, and was every where greeted with rejoicings and 
applause. 




CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 



20 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

6. In September of the following autumn Columbus sailed on 
his second voyage, which resulted in the discovery of the Wind- 
ward group and the islands of Jamaica and Porto Rico. It was at 
this time that the first colony was established in Hayti, and Co- 
lumbus's brother appointed governor. After an absence of nearly 
three years, Columbus returned to Spain ; but he now found him- 
self the victim of bitter jealousies and suspicions. All the rest of 
his life was clouded with persecutions and misfortunes. 

7. In 1498 Columbus made a third voyage, discovered the island 
of Trinidad and the mainland of South America, near the mouth 
of the Oronoco. Thence he sailed back to Hayti, where he found 
his colony disorganized ; and here, while attempting to restore order, 
he was seized by an agent of the Spanish government, put in chains, 
and carried to Spain. After much disgraceful treatment, he was 
sent out on a fourth and last voyage, in search of the Indies ; but 
besides making some explorations along the south side of the Gulf 
of Mexico, the expedition accomplished nothing, and Columbus 
returned once more to his ungrateful country. The good Isabella 
was dead, and the great discoverer, a friendless and despised old 
man, sank into the grave. 

8. Of all the wrongs done to the memory of Columbus, the great- 
est was that which robbed him of the name of the new continent. 
In the year 1499, Amerigo Vespucci, a Florentine navigator of 
no great celebrity, reached the eastern coast of South America. 
Two years later he made a second voyage, and then hastened home 
to give to Europe the first published account of the Western World. 
In his narrative all reference to Columbus was omitted ; and thus 
through his own craft, assisted by the dullness of the times, the 
name of this Vespucci, rather than that of the true discoverer, was 
given to the New World. 

9. The discovery of America produced great excitement in Eu- 
rope. In Spain especially there was wonderful zeal and enthusiasm. 
Within ten years after the death of Columbus, the principal islands 
of the West Indies were explored and colonized. In the year 1510 
the Spaniards planted on the Isthmus of Darien their first conti- 
nental colony. Three years later, De Balboa, the governor of 
the colony, crossed the isthmus and from an eminence looked down 



SPANISH DISCO VEBIES IN AMERICA. 21 

upon the Pacific. Not satisfied with merely seeing the great water, 
he waded in a short distance, and drawing his sword, took possession 
of the ocean in the name of the king of Spain. 

10. Meanwhile, Ponce de Leon, who had l^een a companion of 
Columbus, fitted out a private expedition of discovery and adven- 
ture. He had grown rich as governor of Porto Rico, and had also 
grown old. But there Avas a Fountain of Perpetual Youth some- 
where in the Bahamas — so said a tradition in Spain — and in tlu.t 
fountain the old soldier would bathe and be young again. So in 
the year 1512, he set sail frojn Porto Rico ; and on Easter Sunday 
came in sight of an unknown shore. There ■were waving forests, 
green leaves, and birds of song. Partly in honor of the day, 
called in the ritual of the Church Pascua Florkla, and partly to 
describe the delightful landscape, he named the new shore Flor- 
ida — the Land of Flowers. 

11. A landing was made a short distance north of where, a half 
century later, St. Augustine was founded. The country was claimed 
for the king of Spain, and the search was continued for the Fount- 
ain of Youth. The romantic adventurer turned southward, ex- 
plored the coast for many leagues, discovered the Tortugas, and 
then sailed back to Porto Rico, no younger than when he started. 

12. The king of Spain gave Ponce the governorship of his Land 
of Flowers, and sent him thither to establish a colony. He did 
not, however, reach his jorovince until the year 1521, and then the 
Indians were hostile. Scarcely had he landed when they fell upon 
him in battle ; many of the Spaniards were killed, and the rest had 
to fly to the ships for safety. Ponce de Leon himself was wounded 
with an arrow, and carried back to Cuba to die. 



Spain makes the New World known to Europe.— Okl ideas about the figure 
of the earth.— Columbus.— Sketch of his life,— The favor of Isabella.— Columbus 
departs on his first voyage.- Discovers San Salvador, Cuba, and Hayti.— Second 
voyage of Columbus.— Third.— He discovers South America.— Fourth voyage.— 
Columbus's misfortunes and death.— Wrong done to his memory.— Vespucci 
makes two voyages to South America.— Excitement in Europe.— A colony is 
planted on the Isthmus.— Balboa discovers the Pacific— Ponce de Leon makes 
explorations in Florida.— Is killed by the Indians. 



22 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

i 



CHAPTER IV. 

SPANISH DISCOVERIES IN AMERICA.— CONTINUED. 

ri1HE year 1517 was marked by the discovery of Yucatan by Fer- 
J- NANDEZ DE CoEDOVA. While exph)riiig the northern coast of 
the country, his company was attached by the natives, and he him- 
self mortally wounded. During the next year the coast of Mexico 
Avas explored for a great distance by Grijalva, assisted by Cor- 
dova's pilot; and in the year 1519, Fernando Cortez landed 
with his fleet at Tabasco, and in two years conquered the Aztec 
empire of Mexico. 

2. Among the daring enterprises which marked the beginning of 
the sixteenth century, that of Ferdinand Magellan is worthy of 
special mention. A Portuguese by birth, a navigator by profes- 
sion, this bold man determined to discover a south-west passage to 
Asia. With this object in view, he appealed to the king of Portu- 
gal for ships and men. The monarch listened coldly, and gave no 
encouragement. Incensed at this treatment, Magellan went to 
Spain, and laid his plans before Charles V. The Emperor seized 
the opportunity, and ordered a fleet of five ships to be fitted out 
at the public expense and properly manned. 

3. The voyage was begun from Seville in August of 1519. Ma- 
gellan soon reached the coast of South America, and sjient the 
autumn in explorations. Not at first successful in his efforts, he 
passed the winter on the coast of Brazil. Renewing his voyage 
southward, he came at last to that strait which still bears his 
name, and passing through, found himself in the open and bound- 
less ocean. The weather was beautiful, and the peaceful deep was 
called THE Pacific. 

4. Magellan now held steadily on his course for nearly four 
months, suffering much from want of water and scarcity of pro- 



SPANISH DISCO VERIES IN AMERICA.— CONTINUED. 23 

visions. In March of 1520 he came to the group of islands called 
the Ladrones. Sailing still westward, he reached the Philippine 
group, where he was killed in a battle with the natives. But the 
fleet was now near to China, and the rest of the route was easy. 
A. new captain was chosen, and the voyage was continued to the 
Moluccas. Only a single ship was now deemed in a fit condition 
to venture on the homeward voyage; but in this vessel the crews 
emiiarked, and returning by way of the Cape of Good Hope 
arrived in Spain in September, 1522. The circumnavigation of 
the globe, long believed in as a possibility, had now been accom- 
plished. 

5. The next important voyage to America was in the year 1520. 
De Ayllon, a judge in St. Domingo, conducted the expedition. 
He and six other wealthy men, eager to stock their plantations 
with slaves, determined to do so by kidnapping natives from the 
Bahamas. Two vessels were fitted out for the purpose, and De 
Ayllon commanded in person. When the ships were nearing their 
destination, they encountered a storm which drove them northward 
and brought them to the coast of South Carolina. The name of 
Chicora was given to the country, and the River Cambahee was 
called the Jordan. The friendly natives made presents to the 
strangers and treated them with great cordiality. They flocked on 
board the ships ; and when the decks were crowded De Ayllon 
weighed anchor and sailed away A few days afterward a storm 
wrecked one of the ships, and most of the poor Avretches who were 
huddled under the hatches of the other died. 

6. Returning to Spain, De Ayllon repeated the story of his ex- 
ploit to Charles V., who gave him the governorship of Chicora. 
On reaching his province in 1525, he found the natives hostile. 
His best ship ran aground in the mouth of the Jordon, and the 
Indians fell upon him with fury, killing many of the crew. The 
rest were glad enough to get away with their lives. 

7. In 1526 Charles V. appointed De Narvaez governor of 
Florida. The territory thus placed at his disposal extended from 
Cape Sable three-fifths of the way around the. Gulf of Mexico. 
De Narvaez arrived at Tampa Bay in April of 1528. His force 
consisted of two hundred and sixty soldiers and forty horsemen. 



24 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The natives treated them with siisjjicion, and, holding up their 
gold trinkets, pointed to the north. The hint was eagerly caught 
at by the Spaniards, whose imaginations were fired with the sight 
of the precious metal. They struck boldly into the forests, expect- 
ing to find cities and empires, and found instead swamps and sav- 
ages. Crossing the Withlacoochie and the Suwanee, they finally 
came to Apalachee, a squalid village of forty cabins. This, then, 
was the mighty city to which their guides had directed them. 

8. Oppressed with fatigue and goaded by hunger, they plunged 
again into the woods and wandered on, until they reached the sea 
at the harbor of St. Mai-k's. Here they expected to find their 
ships, but not a ship was there, or had been. With great labor 
they constructed some brigantines, and put to sea in hope of 
reaching the Spanish settlements in Mexico. After shipwrecks 
and almost endless wanderings, only four miserable men of all 
the company, under the leadership of the heroic De Vaca, were 
rescued at the village of San Miguel, on the Pacific coast, and 
conducted to the city of Mexico. 

9. In the year 1537 a new expedition was planned which sur- 
passed all the others in the brilliancy of its beginning and the dis- 
asters of its end. Ferdinand de Soto was the leader. At his 
own request, he was appointed governor of Cuba and Florida, with 
the privilege of exploring and conquering the latter country. A 
great company of young Spaniards flocked to his standard. Of 
these he selected six liundred of the most gallant and daring. 
Great prej^arations were made for the conquest ; arms and stores 
were provided ; shackles were wrought for the slaves ; tools for the 
forge and workshop were supplied ; twelve priests were chosen to 
conduct religious ceremonies ; and a herd of swine was driven on 
board to fatten on the maize and mast of the country. 

10. Leaving the harbor of San Lucar, the fleet touched at Ha- 
vana, and the enthusiasm was kindled to a higher pitch than in 
Spain. De Soto left his wife to govern Cuba during his absence ; 
and after a voyage of two weeks, the ships cast anchor in Tampa 
Bay. Some of the Cubans who liad joined the expedition were 
terrified at the prospect before them and sailed back to the security 
of home; but De Soto and his cavaliers despised such cowardice, 



SPANISH DISCO VERIES IN AMEBICA.—CONTINUED. 25 

and began their march into the interior. In October of 1539 they 
arrived at the country of the Apalachians, on the left bank of 
Flint River, where they spent the winter. For four months they 
remained in this locality, sending out exploring parties in various 
directions. One of these companies reached the gulf at Pensacola, 
and made arrangements that supplies should be sent out from 
Cuba to that pjaae during the following summer. 

11. In the early spring the Spaniards left their winter-quarters 
and continued their march to the north and east. An Indian guide 
told them of a powerful and populous empire in that direction ; a 
woman was empress, and the land was full of gold. A Spanish 
soldier, who had been a captive among the Indians, denied the 
truth of the story ; but De Soto and the freebooters pressed on 
through the swamps and woods. In April, 1540, they came upon 
the Ogechee River. Here they were delayed. The Indian guide 
went mad, and lost the whole company in the forest. By the 1st of 
May they had reached South Carolina, and were within a two days' 
march of where De Ayllon had lost his ships. 

12. From this place the wanderers turned westward, and passed 
across Northern Georgia from the Chattahouche to the upper tribu- 
taries of the Coosa; thence down that river to Lower Alabama. 
Here, just above the confluence of the Alabama and the Tombec- 
bee, they came upon the Indian town of Mauville, or Mobile, where 
a battle was fought with the natives. The town was set on fire, 
and two thousand five hundred of the Indians were killed or burned 
to death. Eighteen of De Soto's men were killed and a hundred 
and fifty wounded. The Spaniards also lost most of their horses 
and baggage. 

13. The ships of supply had meanwhile arrived at Pensacola, 
but De Soto and his men were too proud to avail themselves of 
help. Turning to the north, by the middle of December they 
reached the country of the Chickasaws. They crossed the Yazoo ; 
snow fell; and the Spaniards were on the point of starvation. 
They succeeded, however, in finding some fields of maize and an 
Indian village, which promised them shelter for the winter. Here, 
in February, 1541, they were attacked in the night by the Indians, 
who set the town on fire, determining to make an end of the for- 



26 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

eigners; but Spanish weapons and discipline again saved De Soto 
and his men. 

14. The Spaniards next set out to journey farther westward, and 
the guides brought them to the Mississippi. The point where the 
Father of Waters was first seen by white men was a little north 
of the thirty-fourth parallel of latitude ; the day of the discovery 
can not certainly be known. The Indians came down the river in a 
fleet of canoes, and offered to carry the Spaniards over; but a cross- 
ing was not effected until the latter part of May. 

15. De Soto's men now found themselves in the land of the 
Dakotas. The natives were inoffensive and superstitious. At one 
place they were going to worship the Spaniards, but De Soto would 
not permit such idolatry. They continued their march to the St. 
Francis River, which they crossed, and reached the site of New 
Madrid. Thence westward the march was renewed for about two 
hundred miles; thence southward to the tributaries of the Washita 
River. On the banks of this stream they passed the winter of 
1541-42. Here the Spaniards treated the natives with savage 
cruelty. 

16. De Soto's men now turned toward the sea, and came upon 
the Mississippi in the neighborhood of Natchez. The spirit of the 
leader was completely broken. A malignant fever seized upon his 
emaciated frame, and then death. The priests chanted a requiem, 
and in the middle of the night his companions put his body into a 
rustic coffin and sunk it in the Mississippi. 

17. Before his death, De Soto had named Moscoso as his suc- 
cessor. Under his leadership, the half-starved adventurers turned 
once more to the west. They crossed the country to the upper 
waters of the Red River, and then ranged the hunting-grounds of 
the Pawnees and the Comanches. In December of 1542 they came 
again to the Mississippi, a short distance above the mouth of Red 
River. Here they built seven boats, and on the 2d day of July, 
1543, set sail for the sea. The distance was almost five hundred 
miles, and seventeen days were required to make the descent. 
On reaching the Gulf of Mexico, they steered to the south-west, 
and finally reached the settlement at the mouth of the River of 
Palms. 



SPANISH DISCO VEBIES IN AMERICA.— CONTINUED. 27 

18. The next attempt by the Spaniards to colonize Florida was in 
the year 1565. The enterprise was entrusted to Pedro Melendez, 
a Spanish soldier of ferocious disposition. He was under sentence 
to pay a heavy fine at the time when he received his commission 
from Philip II. Melendez was to plant in some favorable district 
of Florida a colony of not less than five hundred persons, and was 
to receive two hundred and twenty-five square miles of land adja- 
cent to the settlement, and a large salary. Tw^enty-five hundred 
persons joined the expedition. 

19. The real object had in view by Melendez was to destroy a 
colony of French Protestants, called Huguenots, who had made a 
settlement near the mouth of the St. John's River. This was 
within the limits of the territory claimed by Spain ; and Melendez 
thought that to kill French heretics in the name of patriotism and 
religion was the way in w4iich to restore his character and bring 
him into favor again. His former crimes were to be washed out 
in the blood of innocent men. The Catholic party at the French 
court had communicated with the Simnish court as to the where- 
abouts and intentions of the Huguenots, so that Melendez knew 
where to find and how to destroy them. 

20. It was St.- Augustine's day when the Spaniards came in 
sight of the shore, but the landing was not effected until the 2d 
of September. The harbor and the river which enters it from 
the south were named in honor of the saint. On the 8th day of 
the same month, Philip II. was proclaimed monarch of North 
America ; a solemn mass was said by the priests ; and the founda- 
tion-stones of the oldest town in the United States were put into 
their place. This was seventeen years before the founding of 
Santa Fe, and forty-two years before the settlement at Jamestown. 

21. Melendez soon turned his attention to the Huguenots. The 
latter were expecting to be attacked, and all their vessels excejit 
two sailed out of the river and put to sea, intending to anticipate 
the movements of the Spaniards. But a furious storm arose and 
dashed to pieces every ship in the fleet. Most of the crews, how- 
ever, reached the shore at the mouth of the river. Melendez 
collected his forces at St. Augustine, stole through the woods, and 
falling on the defenseless colony, utterly destroyed it. Men, women, 



28 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

and children were alike given up to butchery. Two hundred were 
massacred. A few escaped into the forest, Laudonniere, the Hu- 
guenot leader, among the number, and were picked up by the two 
French ships which had been saved from the storm. 

22. The crews of the wrecked vessels were the next object of 
vengeance. Melendez discovered them, and deceiving them with 
treacherous jiromises, induced them to surrender. They were 
ferried ax?ross the river and driven oif, tied two and two, toward 
St. Augustine. As they approached the Si:)anish fort, a signal was 
given and the work of slaughter began anew. Seven hundred 
defenceless victims were slain. Only a few mechanics and Catholic 
servants were left alive. With this bloody work the first permanent. 
European colony was plantecl in our country. 

23. The Spaniards had now explored the coast from the Isthmus 
of Darien to Port Koyal in South Carolina. They were acquainted 
with the country west of the Mississippi as far north as New 
Mexico and Missouri, and east of that river they had traversed 
the Gulf States as far as the mountain ranges of Tennessee and 
North Carolina. AVith the establishment of their first permanent 
colony on the coast of Florida, the period of Spanish voyage and 
discovery may be said to end. 

24. A brief account of the only important voyages of the 
Portuguese to America will here be given. At the time of the 
discovery by Columbus, John II. was king of Portugal ; but he 
paid little attention to the New World. In 1495 he was succeeded 
by his cousin Manuel, a man of diflferent character. This mon- 
arch, in order to secure some of the benefits which yet remained 
to discoverers, fitted out two vessels, and in the summer of 1501 sent 
Gasper Cortereal to make a voyage to America. 

25. The Portuguese ships reached Maine in July, and explored 
the coast for nearly seven hundred miles. Little attention was 
paid by Cortereal to the great forests of pine which stood along 
the shore, promising ship-yards and cities. He satisfied his ra- 
pacity by kidnapping fifty Indians, whom, on his return to Portu- 
gal, he sold as slaves. A new voyage was then undertaken, Avith 
the purpose of capturing another cargo of natives; but a year went 
by, and no tidings arrived from the fleet. The brother of the 



THE FRENCH IN AMERICA. 29 

Portuguese captain then sailed in hope of finding the missing 
vessels. He also was lost, but in what manner is not known. 
The fate of the Cortereals and their slave-ships has remained a 
mystery of the sea. 



Cordova discovers Yucatan.— Grijalva explores Mexico.— Cortez invades ami 
conquers the country.— Magellan sails around South America.— His crew reach 
the East Indies.— Return to Europe.— Narvaez is appointed governor of Flor- 
ida.— Explores the country.— The company is shipwrecked.— Four men reach 
San Miguel.— De Soto sets out on an expedition.— Arrives at Tampa Bay.— 
Spends the winter on Flint River.— The company march into South Carolina.— 
Cross into Georgia.— Capture Mauville.— Spend a winter on the Yazoo.— Dis- 
cover the Mississippi.— Explore Arkansas and return.— De Soto dies.— His men 
again march westwai'd.- Return to Red River.— Descend the Mississippi.— 
Reach the Spanish settlements.— Melendez comes to Florida, and founds St. 
Augustine.— Murders the Huguenots.— Massacres the shipwrecked crews.— Ex- 
tent of the Spanish explorations.— The Portuguese voyage of Gaspar Cortereal.— 
He sells a cargo of Indian slaves.— The Cortereals are lost at sea. 



CHAPTER V. 

THE FRENCH IN AMERICA. 

FRANCE was not slow to profit by the discoveries of Columbus. 
As early as 1504 the fishermen of Normandy and Brittany 
leached the banks of Newfoundland. A map of the Gulf of St. 
Lawrence was drawn by a Frenchman in the year 1506. Two 
years later some Indians were taken to France ; and in 1518 the 
attention of Francis I. was turned to the NeAV World. Five years 
afterward a voyage of discovery was planned, and John Verraz- 
zANi of Florence was commissi(med to conduct the expedition. 
The object of the voyage was to discover a north-west passage to 
the East Indies. 

2. In January, 1524, Verrazzani left the shores of Europe. 
Sailing with a single ship, called the Dolphin, after fifty days of 



30 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

tempestuous weather, he discovered the main hind in the latitude 
of Wilmington. He sailed southward and nortliward along the 
coast and began a traffic with the natives. The Indians of this 
neighborhood were found to be a timid race, unsusj^icious and 
confiding. A half-drowned sailor, w^ashed ashore by the surf, was 
treated with kindness, and j^ermitted to return to the ship. . 

3. The voyage was continued toAvard the north. Tlie coast of 
New Jersey was explored, and the hills marked as containing 
minerals. The harbor of New York was entered and its spacious 
waters noted with admiration. At Newport, Verrazzani anchored 
for fifteen days, and a trade was again opened with the Indians. 
Here the French sailors repaid the confidence of the natives by 
kidnapping a child and attempting to steal an Indian girl. 

4. From Newport, Verrazzani continued his explorations north' 
ward. The long line of the New England coast was traced with 
care. The Indians of the north were suspicious. They would l)uy 
no toys, but were eager to purchase knives and weapons of iron. 
In the latter part of May, Verrazzani reached Newfoundland. In 
July he returned to France and published an account of his great 
discoveries. The name of New France was given to the country 
whose coast had been traced by the crew of the Dolphin. 

5. In 1534, Chabot, admiral of France, selected James Cartier, 
a seaman of St. Malo, to make a voyage to America. Two shi2)s 
were fitted out for the enterprise, and after twenty days of sailing 
under cloudless skies anchored on tlie 10th day of May off the 
coast of Newfoundland. Cartier circumnavigated the island to 
the northward, crossed the Gulf of 8t. Lawrence, and entered the 
Bay of Chaleurs. Not finding a passage westward, he changed his 
course to the north, and ascended the coast as far as Gaspe Bay. 
Here he set up a cross and proclaimed the French king monarch 
of the country. Again he entered the St. Lawrence, and ascended 
the broad estuary until the narrowing banks made him aware that 
he was in the mouth of a river. Cartier, thinking it impracticable 
to pass the winter in the New World, set sail for France, and in 
thirty days reached St. Malo. 

6. Another voyage was planned immediately. Three ships were 
provided, and a number of young noblemen joined the expedition. 



THE FRENCH IN AMERICA. 3X 

The sails were set by zealous crews, and on the lOtli of May the 
new voyage was begun. This time there was stormy weather, yet 
the passage to Newfoundland was made by the 10th of August. It 
was the day of St. Lawrence, and the name of that martyr was 
given to the gulf and to the stream which entei's it from the west. 
The expedition proceeded up the river to the island of Orleans, 
where the ships were moored in a place of safety. Two Indians, 
whom Cartier had taken with him to France, gave information 
that higher up the river there was an important town. Proceed- 
ing thitlier in his boats, the French captain found it as the In- 
dians had said. A village lay at the foot of a high hill in the 
middle of an island. Climbing to the top of the hill, Cartier 
named tlie island and town Mont-Real. The country was declared 
to belong to the king of Fi-ance ; and then the boats dropped down 
the river to the ships. During this wint(^r twenty-five of Cartier's 
men were swept off by the scurvy, a malady hitherto unknown in 
Europe. 

7. With the opening of spring, preparations were made to return 
to France. The winter had proved too much for French enthu- 
siasm. A cross was again planted in the soil of the New World, 
and the homeward voyage began. The kind and generous king 
of the Hurons was decoyed on board and carried off to die. On 
the 6th of July the fleet reached St. Malo; but by the accounts 
which Cartier published, the French were greatly discouraged. 
Neither silver nor gold had been found in New France ; and what 
was a new world good for that had not silver and gold ? 

8. Francis La Roque of Roberval was the next to undertake 
the colonization of America. This nobleman was commissioned by 
the court of France to plant a colony on the St. Lawrence. The 
titles of viceroy and lieutentant-general of New France were con- 
ierred upon him ; but the man who was chiefly relied on to give 
character to the proposed colony was James Cartier. He only 
seemed competent to conduct the enterprise with any promise of 
success. His name was accordingly added to the list, and he was 
honored with the office of chief pilot and captain-general. 

9. It was a difficult task to find material for the colony. The 
French peasants were not eager to embark for a country which 



32 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

promised nothing better than savages and snow. Cartier's "honest 
narrative had left no room for dreaming. So the work of enlisting 
volunteers went on slowly, until the government opened the prisons 
of the kingdom and gave freedom to whoever would join the ex- 
pedition. There was a rush of robbers and swindlers, and the 
lists were immediately filled. Only counterfeiters and traitors were 
denied the privilege of gaining their liberty in the New World. 

10. In May of 1541, five ships, under command of Cartier, left 
France, and soon reached the St. Lawrence. The expedition j^ro- 
ceeded up the river to the present site of Quebec, where a fort was 
erected and named Charlesbourg. Here the colonists passed the 
winter. Cartier was offended because of the subordinate position 
which he held, and made no effort to prosecute discoveries which 
could benefit no one but Roberval. When La Roque arrived with 
immigrants and supplies, Cartier sailed away with his part of the 
squadron, and returned to Europe. Roberval was left in New 
France with three shiploads of criminals who could be restrained 
only by whipping and hanging. The winter was long and severe, 
and spring was welcomed for the opportunity which it gave of 
returning to France. The enterprise, undertaken with so much 
pomp, resulted in nothing. 

11. About the middle of the sixteenth century Coligni, the Pro- 
testant admiral of France, formed the design of establishing in 
America a refuge for the Huguenots of his own country. In 1562 
he obtained from Charles IX. the privilege of planting a colony 
of Protestants in the New World. John Ribault, of Dieppe, 
was selected to lead the Hugueiiots to the land of promise. In 
February, the company reached the coast of Florida near the site 
of St. Augustine. The River St. John's was entered and named 
the River of May. The vessel then sailed along the coast to the 
entrance of Port Royal ; here it was determined to make the set- 
tlement. The colonists were landed on an island, and a stone 
was set up to mai'k the place. A fort was erected and named 
Carolina— a name which was afterward given by the English to the 
whole country from the Savannah to Virginia. In this fort Ri- 
bault left twenty-six men, and then sailed back to France. Civil 
war was now raging in the kingdom, and neither supplies nor 



THE FRENCH IN AMERICA. 33 

colonists could be procured. In the following spring the men in 
the fort, discouraged with long waiting, mutinied and killed their 
leader. Then they built a rude brig and put to sea. They were 
at last picked up by an English ship and carried to France. 

12. Two years after this attempt another colony was planned, 
and Laudonniere chosen leader. The character, however, of this 
second Protestant company was very bad. The harbor of Port 
Royal was now shunned by the Huguenots, and a point on the 
River St. John's was selected for the settlement. A fort was built 
here, and things were going well until a j^art of the colonists con- 
trived to get away with two of the ships. Instead of returning to 
France, they began to practice piracy ; w^ere caught, brought back, 
and hanged. The rest of the settlers were on the eve of breaking 
up the colony, when Ribault arrived with supplies and restored 
order. It was at this time that Melendez discovered the Hugue- 
nots and nuirdered them. 

13. But Dominic de Gourges of Gascony visited the Spaniards 
with signal vengeance. This man fitted out three ships, and with 
only fifty seamen on board arrived on the coast of Florida. Witli 
this handfid of soldiers he surprised three Spanish forts on the St. 
John's, and made prisoners of the inmates. Unable to hold his 
position, he hanged the leading captives to the branches of the 
trees, and put up this inscription to explain what he had done : 
''Not Spaniards, but murderers." 

14. In the year 1598, the Marquis of La Roche obtained a 
commission authorizing him to ^ound a colony in the New World. 
The prisons of France were again opened to furnish the emi- 
grants. The vessels soon reached the coast of Nova Scotia, and 
anchored at Sable Island, a dismal place, where forty men were 
left to form a settlement. La Roche returned to France and died ; 
and for seven years the forty criminals languished on Sable Island. 
Then they were picked up by some passing ships and carried back 
to France, but were never remanded to prison. 

15. In the year 1603 the sovereignty of the country from the 
latitude of Philadelphia to one degree north of Montreal, w^as 
granted to De Monts. The chief provisions of his patent w^ere a 
monopoly of the fur-trade of the new country, and religious freedom 



34 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

for the Huguenots. With two shiploads of colonists he left France 
in March of 1604, and reached the Bay of Fundy. The summer 
was spent in making explorations. Poutrincourt, the captain of 
one of the ships, being pleased with a harbor which he had dis- 
covered on the coast of Nova Scotia, asked and obtained a grant 
of some beautiful lands adjacent, and with a part of the crew 
went on shore. De Monts crossed t^^e west side of the bay, and 
began to build a fort at the mouth of the St. Croix. But in the 
following spring they abandoned this place and joined Poutrin- 
court. Here, on the 14th day of November, 1605, the founda- 
tions of the first permanent French settlement in America ivere laid. 
The name of Port Royal was given to the fort, and the country, 
including Nova Scotia, was called Acadia. 

16. In 1603 Samuel Champlain, the most soldierly man of his 
times, was commissioned by Rouen merchants to establish a trad- 
ing post on the St. Lawrence. The traders saw that a traffic in 
furs was a surer road to riches than the search for gold and 
diamonds. Champlain crossed the ocean, sailed up the river, and 
selected the spot on which Quebec now stands, as the site for a 
fort. In the autumn he returned to France, and published a faith- 
ful account of his expedition. 

17. In 1608, Champlain again visited America, and on the 3d 
of July in that year the foundations of Quebec were laid. Li the 
next year he and two other Frenchmen joined a company of 
Huron and Algonquin Indians who were at war with the Iroquois 
of New York. With this band he ascended the Sorel River until 
he came to the long, narrow lake which has ever since borne the 
name of its discoverer. 

18. In 1612 Champlain came to New France for the third time, 
and the success of tlie colony at Quebec was assured. Franciscan 
monks came over and began to preach among the Indians. They 
and the Protestants quarreled, and the settlement was much dis- 
turbed. Champlain again went with a war-party against the Iro- 
quois. His company was defeated, he himself wounded and obliged 
to remain all winter among the Hurons. In 1617 he i-eturned to 
the colony, in 1620 began to build, and four years afterward com- 
pleted the fortress of St. Louis. AVhen this castle appeared on 



ENGLISH DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS. 35 

the high elifF above the town and river, the permanence of the 
French settlements on the St. Lawrence was no longer doubtful. 
Champlain became governor of New France, and died in 1635. 
To him, more than to any other man, the success of the French 
colonies in North America must be attributed. 



The French reach America.— Verrazzani makes a voyage.— Explores the 
country as far north as Newfoundland.— Cartier is sent to America.— Reaches 
Newfoundland and enters the St. Lawrence.— Returns to Europe.— Rails on a 
second expedition.— Ascends the St. Lawrence.— His crew are attacked with 
scurvy.— He passes the winter at Quebec— Returns to France.— Roberval plans 
a colony.— Cartier joined to the undertaking.— Prisons of France furnish emi- 
grants.— Expedition reaches the St. Lawrence.— The leaders quarrel.— Cartier 
goes back to France.— The colony returns.—Roberval sails with another fleet.— 
Is lost at sea.— Ribault conducts a band of Huguenots to Port Royal.— Builds 
Fort Carolina.— The settlement is abandoned.— The enterprise renewed by 
Laudonniere.— A Huguenot colony is established on t.he St. John's.— But de- 
stroyed by Melendez.— De Gourges takes vengeance on the Spaniards.— La 
Roche is commissioned to colonize America.— Fi'ench prisons again opened.— 
A settlement is made on Sable Island.— The company carried to France.— De 
Monts made viceroy.— Departs with a colony.— Reaches the Bay of Fundy.— 
Port Royal founded by Poutrincourt.— De Monts on the St. Croix.— The country 
named Acadia.— Champlain receives a commission.— Sails with a colony to the 
St. Lawrence.— Goes against the Iroquois.— Returns and founds Quebec. 



CHAPTER YI. 

ENGLISH DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS. 

ON the 5th of May, 1496, Henry VII., king of England, com- 
missioned John Cabot of Venice to make discoveries in the 
Atlantic and Indian Oceans, to carry the English flag, and to take 
possession of all countries which he might discover. Cabot was a 
brave, adventurous man who had been a sailor from his boyhood, 
and was now a wealthy merchant of Bristol. Five ships were 
fitted out, and every thing made ready for the voyage. In April, 



36 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

1497, the fleet left Bristol; and on the morning of the 24th of 
June, the gloomy shore of Labrador was seen. TJiis was the real 
discovery of the American continent. Fourteen months elapsed before 
Columbus reached the coast of Guiana, and more than two years 
before Vespucci saw the main land of South America. 

2. Cabot explored the coast of the country for several hundred 
miles. He supposed that the land was a part of the dominions of 
the Cham of Tartary ; but finding no inhabitants, he went on shore, 
according to the terms of his commission, planted the flag of Eng- 
land, and took possession in the name of the English king. No 
man forgets his native land ; by the side of the flag of his adopted 
country Cabot set up the banner of the republic of Venice — emblem 
of another flag which should one day float from sea to sea. 

3. As soon as he had satisfied himself of the extent of the coun- 
try, Cabot sailed for England. On the homeward voyage he twice 
saw the coast of Newfoundland, but made no landing. After an 
absence of three months, he reached Bristol, and was greeted with 
enthusiasm. The town had holiday, and the people were wild about 
the great discovery. The king gave him money; new ships Avere 
fitted out, and a new commission was signed in February of 1498. 
But after the date of this patent the name of John Cabot dis- 
appears from history. AVhere the rest of his life was passed and 
the circumstances of his death are unknown. 

4. Sebastian, son of John Cabot, inherited his father's genius. 
He had already been to the New World on the first voyage, and 
now he took up his father's work with all the fervor of youth. The 
very fleet which had been equipped for John Cabot was entrusted 
to Sebastian. The object had in view was the foolish project of 
discovering a north-west passage to the Indies. 

5. The voyage was made in the spring of 1498. Far to the north 
the icebergs compelled Sebastian to change his course^ It was July, 
and the sun scarcely set at midnight. Seals were seen, and the 
ships plowed through such shoals of codfish as had never before 
been heard of. Labrador was again discovered. New Brunswick, 
Nova Scotia, and Maine were next explored. The whole coast of 
New England and of the Middle States w^as now, for the first time 
since the days of the Norsemen, traced by Europeans. Nor did 



ENGLISH DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS. 37 

Cabot desist from this work, which was bestowing the title of dis- 
covery on the crown of Enghmd, until he reached Cape Hatteras. 
From that point he began his homeward voyage. 

6. The future career of Cabot was a strange one. Henry VII., 
although quick to appreciate the value of Sebastian's discoveries, 
was slow to reward the discoverer. When that monarch died, the 
king of Spain enticed Cabot away from England and made him 
pilot-major of the Spanish navy. He lived to be very old, but the 
circumstances of his death and his place of burial are unknown. 

7. The year 1498 is the most marked in the whole history of 
discovery. In the month of May, Vasco de Gama, of Portugal, 
doubled the Cape of Good Hope and succeeded in reaching Hin- 
dostan. During the summer the younger Cabot traced the eastern 
coast of North America through more than twenty degrees of 
latitude. In August Columbus himself reached the mouth of the 
Orinoco. Of the three great discoveries, that of Cabot has proved 
to be by far the most hnportant. 

8. The career of English discovery was checked during the 
greater part of the sixteenth century. In 1493 Pope Alexander 
drew an imaginary line three hundred miles west of the Azores, 
and gave all islands and countries west of that line to Sj^ain. 
Henry VII. w\as a Catholic, and did not care to have a conflict 
with his Church by claiming the New World. His son and suc- 
cessor, Henry VIII., at first adopted the same policy, and it was 
not until after the Keformation in England that the decision of the 
pope came to be disregarded, and finally despised and laughed at. 

9. During the reign of Edward VI. the spirit of adventure was 
again aroused. In 1548 the king's council gave Sebastian Cabot a 
hundred pounds to return from Spain and become grand-pilot of 
England. The old admiral quitted Seville and once more sailed 
under the English flag. In the reign of Queen Mary the power of 
England on the sea was not materially extended, but with the acces- 
sion of Elizabeth a new impulse was given to voyage and adventure. 

10. Martin Frobisher, aided by the earl of Warwick, began 
anew the work of discovery. Three small vessels were fitted out 
to sail in search of a north-west passage to Asia. One of Fro- 
bisher's ships was lost on the voyage ; another returned to England, 



38 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

but the third sailed on until a higher latitude was reached than 
ever before on the American coast. The group of islands in the 
mouth of Hudson's Strait was discovered. The larger island 
lying northward was named Meta Incognita. In latitude sixty- 
three degrees and eight minutes Frobisher entered the strait which 
has ever since borne his name. He then sailed for England, 
carrying home with him an Esquimau and a stone said to contain 
gold. 

11. London was greatly excited. In May, 1577, a new fleet de- 
parted for Meta Incognita to gather the precious metal. For weeks 
the ships were in danger of being crushed among the icebergs. The 
summer was unfavorable. The vessels did not sail as far as Fro- 
bisher had done on a previous voyage. The mariners were alarmed 
at the perils around them, and sought the first opportunity to get 
out of these dangerous seas and return to England. 

12. The English gold-hunters were not yet satisfied. Fifteen new 
vessels were fitted out, the queen bearing part of the expense, and 
in the spring of 1578 a third voyage was begun. Three of the 
ships, loaded with emigrants, were to remain in the promised land. 
The other twelve were to be freighted with gold-ore and return to 
London. The vessels, struggling through the icebergs, finally 
reached Meta Incognita and took on cargoes of dirt. The pro- 
vision-ship slipped away and returned to England. Aflfairs grew 
desperate. The north-west passage was forgotten. The colony 
which was to be planted was no longer thought of. With several 
tons of the spurious ore under the hatches, the ships set sail for 
home. The El Dorado of the Esquimaux had proved a failure. 

13. In 1577 Sir Francis Drake sailed around to the Pacific 
coast by the route which Magellan had discovered, and became a 
terror to the Spanish vessels in those waters. Having thus en- 
riched himself, he formed the project of tracing up the western 
coast of North America until he should find a north-west passage, 
and thence sail eastward around the continent. He proceeded 
northward as far as Oregon, when his sailors, who had been for 
several years within the tropics, began to shiver with the cold, and 
the enterprise was given up. Drake passed the winter of 1579-80 
in a harbor on the coast of Mexico. To all that portion of America 



ENGLISH DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS. 39 

which he had thus explored he gave the name of New Albion ; but 
the English claim thus established was of little value. 

li. Sir Humphrey Gilbert was perhaps the first to form a 
rational plan of colonization in America. His idea was to plant an 
agricultural and commercial state. He sought aid from the queen, 
and received a patent authorizing him to take possession of any six 
hundred square miles of unoccupied territory in America, and to 
establish a colony of which he should be proprietor and governor. 
Assisted by his illustrious half-brother, Walter Raleigh, Gilbert 
prepared five vessels, and in June of 1583, sailed for the west. The 
best ship, in the fleet abandoned the rest and returned to Plymouth. 
In August, Gilbert reached Newfoundland, and took possession of 
the country. Soon the sailors discovered some scales of mica, and 
a judge of metals declared the glittering mineral to be silver ore. 
The crews became insubordinate. Some went to digging the sup- 
posed silver, while others gratified their piratical disposition by 
attacking the Spanish fishing-ships in the neighboring harbors. 

15. Meanwhile, one of Gilbert's vessels became worthless, and 
had to be abandoned. With the other three he sailed toward the 
south. Off the coast of Massachusetts, the largest of the ships was 
wrecked, and a hundred sailors were drowned. Gilbert determined 
to return to England. The weather was stormy, and the two ships 
now remaining were unfit for the sea. The captain remained in the 
weaker vessel, called the Squirrel, already shattered and ready to 
sink. As the ships were struggling through the sea at midnight the 
Squirrel was suddenly engulfed ; not a man of the crew was saved. 
The other vessel finally reached Falmouth in safety. 

10. The project of colonization was next renewed by Raleigh. 
In the spring of 1584 he obtained a new patent as libeial as Gil- 
bert's. Raleigh was to become proprietor of a tract in America 
extending from the thirty-third to the fortieth parallel of latitude. 
This territory was to be peopled and organized into a state. The 
frozen north was now to be avoided, and the country of the Hugue- 
nots chosen as the seat of an empire. Two ships were fitted out, 
and the command given to Philip Amidas and Arthur Barlow. 

17. In July the vessels reached Carolina. The sea was smooth 
and glassy. The woods were full of beauty and song. The natives 



40 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

were generous and hospital )le. The shores of Albemarle and Pam- 
lico Sounds were explored, and a landing effected on Roanoke 
Island, where the English were entertained by the Indian queen. 
But neither Amidas nor BarloAV had the courage necessary to the 
enterprise. After a stay of two months they returned to England, 
praising the beauties of the new land. Queen Elizabeth gave to 
her delightful country in the New World the name of Vikginia. 

18. In December, 1584, Sir Walter's patent was confirmed by 
Parliament. The plan of colonization was undertaken with renewed 
zeal. The proprietor fitted out a second expedition, and appointed 
Ralph Lane governor of the colony. Sir Richard Grenville com- 
manded the fleet, and a company, partly composed of young nobles, 
made up the crew. The fleet of seven vessels reached America on 
the 20th of June. At Cape Fear they were in danger of being 
wrecked; but six days afterward they reached Roanoke in safety. 
Here Lane was left with a hundred and ten of the immigrants to 
form a settlement. Grenville returned to England, taking with 
him a Spanish treasure-ship which he had captured. 

19. Hostilities soon broke out between the English and the In- 
dians. Wingina, the king, and several of his chiefs were allured 
into the power of the English and murdered. Hatred and gloom 
followed this deed ; and the sense of danger became so great that 
when Sir Francis Drake came in sight with a fleet, the colonists 
prevailed on him to carry them back to England. 

20. A few days afterward a shipload of stores arrived from the 
prudent Raleigh; but finding no colony, the vessel sailed back 
to England. Soon Sir Richard Grenville came to Roanoke with 
three well-laden ships, and made a fruitless search for the colonists. 
Not to lose possession of the country, he left fifteen men on tht 
island, and set sail for home. 

21. But another colony was easily made up. A charter of gov- 
ernment was granted by the proprietor, John White was chosen 
governor, and every care taken to secure the success of. the 
"City of Raleigh," soon to be founded in the west. In July 
the emigrants arrived in Carolina. A search for the fifteen men 
who had been left on Roanoke a year before revealed the fact 
that the natives hatl murdered them. Nevertheless, the northern 



ENGLISH DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS. 41 

extremity of tlie island was chosen as the site for the city, and 
there the foundations were hiid. 

22. Disaster attended the enterprise. The Indians were still hos- 
tile. When j^eace was concluded Sir Walter conferred on Manteo, 
one of the Indian chiefs, the title of Lord of Koanoke— a silly piece 
of business. The copper-colored nobleman could do nothing to aid 
the colonists. The fear of starvation soon compelled White to re-' 

urn to England for supplies. Had the settlers given themselves 
tilling the soil and building houses, no further help would have 
been needed. The 18th of August was the birthday of Virginia 
Dare, the first-born of English children in the New AVorld. 
When White set sail for England he left behind a colony of a hun- 
dred and eight persons, whose fate has never been ascertained. 

23. Raleigh soon sent out two supply -ships to succor his starving 
colony, but his efforts to reach them were unavailing. The vessels 
which he sent with stores went cruising after Spanish merchant- 
men and were captured ]:»y a man-of-Avar. Kot until 1590 did the 
governor return to search for the unfortunate colonists. The island 
was a desert. No soul remained to tell the story of the lost. 

24. Sir Walter, after sj^ending two hundred thousand dollars in 
the attempt to found a colony, gave uj) the enterprise. He as- 
signed his rights to an association of London merchants, and it 
was under their authority that White made the final search for 
the settlers of Roanoke. From this time very little in the way of 
discovery was accomplished by the English until 1602, when the 
work was renewed by Bartholomeav Gosnold. 

25. Thus far all the voyages to America had l)een by way of the 
Canary Islands and the West Indies. Abandoning this path, Gos- 
nold, in a small vessel, called the Concord, sailed directly aci'oss the 
Atlantic, and in seven weeks reached Maine. The distance thus 
gained was fully two thousand miles. Explorations were made from 
Cw^Q Elizabeth to Cape Cod. Here the captain, with four of his 
men, went on shore. It was the first landing of Englishmen within 
the limits of New England. On the most westerly of the Elizabeth 
Islands the first New England settlement was begun. 

26. It was a short-lived enterprise. A trafiic Avas opened with 
the natives which resulted in loading the Concord with sassafras- 



42 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

root. When the ship was about to depart for England, the settlers 
pleaded for permission to return with their friends. Gosnold ac- 
ceded to their demands, and the island was abandoned. After a 
voyage of five weeks, the Concord reached home in safety. 

27. Gosnold gave glowing accounts of the country ; and it was 
not long until another expedition to America was planned. Two 
vessels, the Speedwell and the Discoverer, composed the fleet, witli 
Martin Pring for commander. A cargo of merchandise was put 
on board ; and in April, 1B03, the vessels sailed for America. 
They came safely to Penobscot Bay, and spent some time in ex- 
ploring the harbors of Maine. Pring sought the sassafras region, 
and loaded his vessels at Martha's Vineyard. Thence he returned 
to England, reaching Bristol, after an absence of six months. 

28. Two years later, George Waymouth made a voyage to 
America. He anchored among the islands of St. George, on the 
coast of Maine, and explored the harbor. A trade was opened 
with the Indians, some of whom returned with Waymouth to 
England. The voyage homeward was safely made, the vessels 
reaching Plymouth in June. This was the last English expedition 
before the actual establishment of a colony in America. 



K-EC-A-ZPITUL^TIOIsr. 

Henry VII. conuni.ssioiis John Cabot.— Who discovers America. Is recom- 
missioned.— Sebastian explores tlie American coast.— Becomes pilot of Spain.— 
The year 1498.— English discovery impeded.— Maritime enterprise under Eliza- 
beth.— Frobisher sails to America.— Returns to London.— Conducts a fleet to Meta 
Incognita.— Sir Francis Drake goes to the Pacific coast.— Attempts the discovery 
of a north-west passage.— Gilbert forms a plan of colonization,— Assisted by 
Raleigh.— Conducts a fleet to Newfoundland.— The spurious minerals.— Gilbert 
loses his ships and men.— Is lost at sea.— Raleigh sends out Amidas and Barlow.— 
They reach Roanoke.— The place is abandoned.— Raleigh sends a second colony.— 
Difllculties with the Indians.— The colony is taken home by Drake.— A new 
charter granted by Raleigh.— Emigrants arrive at Roanoke.— A town islaidout.^ 
Troubles with the Indians —Manteo is made a peer.— White returns to England.— 
Birth of Virginia Dare.— The fate of the colony.— Raleigh assigns his patent.— 
Gosnold makes a direct voyage.— Attempts to form a settlement on Elizabeth 
Island.— Gosnold trades with the natives.— An expedition is sent out under 
Pring.— He explores the New England coast.— Waymouth sails on a voyage.— 
Trades with the Indians.— Returns to England. 



ENGLISH DISCOVERIES AJSD SETTLEMENTS. 43 



CHAPTER VII. 

ENGLISH DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS.— CONTINUED. 

rpHE 10th of Ai)ril, 1606, was a great clay in the history of the 
J- New World. On that day King James I. issued two patents to. 
men of his kingdom, authorizing them to colonize all that portion 
of North America lying between the thirty-fourth and forty-fifth 
parallels of latitude. The immense tract extended from the mouth 
of Cape Fear River to Passamaquoddy Bay, and westward to the 
Pacific Ocean. 

2, The first of these patents was granted to an association of 
nobles, gentlemen and merchants called the London Company; 
while the second was issued to a similar body organized at Ply- 
mouth, and bearing the name of the Plymouth Company. To 
the former corporation was given the region between the thirty- 
fourth and the thirty-eighth degrees of latitude, and to the latter 
the tract from the forty-first to the forty-fifth degree. The belt 
of three degrees between the thirty-eighth and forty-first parallels 
was to be open to colonies of either company, but no settlement 
of one party was to be made within less than a hundred miles of 
the nearest settlement of the other. The nature and extent of 
these grants wall be fully understood from an examination of the 
accompanying map. Only the London Company was successful in 
establishing an American colony. 

3. The leading man in the London Company was Bartholomew 
Gosnold. His principal associates were Edward Wingfield, a rich 
merchant, Robert Hunt, a clergyman, and John Smith, an adven- 
turer. Sir John Popham, chief- justice of England, Richard Hak- 
luyt, a historian, and Sir Ferdinand Goi'ges, a nobleman, were also 
members. The afi^airs of the company were to be administered by 



44 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

a Superior Council, residing in England, and an Inferior Council, 
residing in the colony. All legislative authority was vested in the 
king. In the organization of the comjoanies no principles of self- 
government were admitted. A foolish provision in the "patent re- 
quired the proposed colony to hold all property in common for five 
years. The best law of the charter allowed the emigrants to retain 
in the New World all the rights of Englishmen. 

4. In August, 1606, the Plymouth Company sent their first ship 
to America. In the autumn another vessel was sent out, which re- 
mained in the country until the following spring. Encouraged by 
the reports which were brought back, the company, in the summer 
of 1607, despatched a colony of a hundred persons. A settlement 
was begun at the mouth of the River Kennebec. A block-house 
and several cabins were built, and the place named St. George. 
Then the ships returned to England, leaving a colony of forty-five 
persons ; but the winter of 1607-8 was very severe. Some of 
the settlers were starved and some frozen ; the store-house was 
burned, and when summer came the remnant escaped to England. 

5. The London Company had better fortune. A fleet of three 
vessels was fitted out under command of Christopher Newport. 
In December the ships, having on board a hundred and five 
colonists, among whom were Wingfield and Smith, left England. 
Newport foolishly took the old route by way of the Canaries, and 
did not reach America until April. It was the design to land on 
Roanoke Island, but a storm carried the ships northward into the 
Chesapeake. Entering the bay, the vessels came to the mouth of 
a beautiful river, which Avas named in hcmor of King James. 
Proceeding up stream about fifty miles, Newport found on the 
northern bank a peninsula noted for its beauty ; the ships were 
moored and the emigrants went on shore. Here, on the 13th day 
of May (Old Style), 1607, were laid the foundations of James- 
town, the oldest English settlement in America. 

6. Meanwhile a new impulse was given to the affairs of North 
Virginia by the activity of John Smith. In 1609 he left James- 
town and returned to England. There he formed a partnership 
with four wealthy merchants of London to trade in furs and estab- 
lish a colony within the limits of the Plymouth grant. Two ships 




MAPII. 

ENGLISH GRANTS. 

IfiOr, - 17:i2. 



ENGLISH DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS. 45 

were freighted with goods and put under Smith's command. The 
summer of 1614 was spent on the coast of Maine, where a traffic 
was carried on with the Indians. But Smith himself found nobler 
work to do. Beginning as far north as practicable, he explored 
the country, and drew a map of the whole coast from the Penob- 
scot to Cajoe Cod. In this map, which is a marvel of accuracy 
considering the circumstances under which it was made, the country 
was called New England. In November the ships returned to 
Plymoutli, taking with them the proofs of a successful voyage. 

7. In 1615 a small colony of sixteen persons, led by Smith, was 
sent out in a single ship. When nearing the American coast, they 
encountered a storm, and were obliged to return to England. In 
spite of these reverses, the leader renewed the enterprise, and 
raised another company. Part of his crew became mutinous and 
left him in mid-ocean. His own ship was captured by a band of 
French pirates, and himself imprisoned in the harbor of Rochelle. 
But he escaped in an open boat and made his way to London. He 
now published a description of New England, and urged the com- 
pany of Plymouth to action. But the London Company was jeal- 
ous of its rival, and put obstacles in the way. The years 1617-18 
were spent in making plans of colonization, until finally the Ply- 
mouth Company was superseded by a new corporation called the 
Council of Plymouth. On this body were conferred almost 
unlimited powers and privileges. All that part of America lying 
between the fortieth and the forty-eighth parallels of north lati- 
tude, and extending from ocean to ocean, was given in fee simple 
to the forty men who composed the council. More than a million 
of square miles were embraced in the grant. 

8. John Smith was now appointed admiral of New England. 
The king issued a proclamation enforcing the charter, and every 
thing gave promise of the early settlement of America. Such 
were the schemes of men to people the Western Continent. Mean- 
while, a Power above the will of man was working out the same 
result. The time had come when, without the knowledge or con- 
sent of James I. or the Council of Plymouth, a permanent settle- 
ment should be made on the shores of New England. 

9. About the close of the sixteenth century, a number of poor 



46 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Puritans, scattered through the North of Eugland, joined them- 
selves together for free i-eligious worship. They believed that 
every man has a right to know the truth of the Scriptures for 
himself. Such a doctrine was repugnant to the Church of Eng- 
land. Queen Elizabeth declared such teaching to be subver- 
sive of the monarchy. King James was also intolerant; and 
from time to time violent persecutions broke out against the feeble 
and dispersed Christians. 

10, Many of the Puritans left England and went into exile in 
Holland. In 1B08 their ship brought them in safety to Amster- 
dam, where, under the care of their pastor, John Robinson, they 
passed one winter, and then removed to Leyden. They took the 
name of Pilgrims, and grew content to have no home or resting- 
place. But they did not forget their native land. During their 
ten years of residence at Leyden they longed to return to their 
own country. The strange language of the Dutch sounded 
harshly to them. They pined with unrest, and were anxious to 
do something to convince King James of their patriotism. 

11. In 1617 the Puritans began to meditate a removal to the 
New World. There they would forget the past, and be at peace 
with their country. John Carver and Robert Cushman were des- 
patched to England to ask permission to settle in America. The 
agents of the Council of Plymouth favored the request, but the 
king refused. The most that he would do was to make a promise 
to let the Pilgrims alone in America. 

\2, The Puritans were not discouraged. Out of their own re- 
sources they provided the means of departure, and set their faces 
toward the sea. The Speedivell, a small vessel, was purchased at 
Amsterdam, and the Mayflower, a larger ship, was hired for the 
voyage. The former was to carry the emigrants from Leyden to 
Southampton, where they were to be joined by the 3Iayfloiver, with 
another company from London. Assembling at the harbor of 
Delft, on the River Meuse, as many of the Pilgrims as could be 
accommodated went on board the Speedwell. The whole congrega- 
tion accompanied them to the shore. There Robinson gave them a 
farewell address, and the prayers of those who were left behind 
followed the vessel out of sight. 



ENGLISH DISCOVERIES AND SETTLEMENTS 47 

13. On the 6th of August, 1620, the vessels left the harbor of 
Southampton; but in a few days the Speedwell was found to be 
shattered and leaky. Both ships anchored at Dartmouth, and 
eight days were spent in making repairs. Again the sails were 
set; but the Speedwell was unable to breast the ocean, and put 
back to Plymouth. Here the ship was abandoned; but the Pil- 
grims were encouraged by the citizens, and the more zealous went 
on board the Mayfloiver for a final effort. On the 6th of September 
the first colony of New England, numbering one hundred and two 
souls, saw the shores of Old England sink behind the sea. 

14. For sixty-three days the ship was buffeted by storms. It 
had been the intention of the Pilgrims to found their colony on 
the Hudson; but the tempest carried them northward to Cape 
Cod. On the 9th of November the vessel was anchored in the 
bay ; a meeting was held and the colony organized under a solemn 
compact. In the charter which they there made for themselves 
the emigrants declared their loyalty to the English king, and 
agreed to live in peace and harmony. Such was the simple con- 
stitution of the oldest New England State. To this instrument all 
the heads of families, forty-one in number, set their names. An 
election was held in which all had an equal voice, and John Car- 
ver was chosen governor. 

15. Miles Standish, John Bradford, and a few others, went on 
shore and explored the country ; nothing was found but a heap of 
Indian corn under the snow. On the 6th of December, the gov- 
ernor landed with fifteen companions. The weather was dreadful. 
Rains and snow-storms covered the clothes of the Pilgrims with 
ice. They were attacked by the Indians, but escaped to the ship 
with their lives. The vessel was steered to the southwest for 
forty-five miles, and at last driven by accident into a haven on the 
west side of the bay. The next day, being the Sabbath, was spent 
in religious services, and on Monday, the 11th of December (Old 
Style), 1620, the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. 

16. It was the dead of winter. The houseless immigrants fell 
a-dying of hunger and cold. After a few days spent in explora- 
tions, a site was selected near the first landing, the snow-drifts were 
cleared away, and on the 9th of January the toilers began to build 



48 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

New Plymouth. Every man took on himself the work of makmg 
his own house; but the ravages of disease grew daily worse. 
Lung-fevers wasted every family. At one time only seven men 
were able to work on the sheds which were built for protection. 
If an early spring had not brought relief, the colony must have 
perished. Such were the sufferings and sorrows of that wintei 
when New England began to be. 



King James issues patents to the London and Plymouth Companies.— The 
London Company to plant colonies between the olth and the ^Stli parallels.— The 
Plymouth Company to make settlements from the 41st to the 45th degree.— GoS' 
nold, Smith, Hakluyt, and Wingfleld, the leaders.— No democratic principles in 
the charter.— A ship is sent out by the Plymouth Company.— A second vessel 
despatched to America.— A settlement is attempted on the Kennebec— Is aban- 
doned.— A fleet is sent out by the London Company.— Arrives in the Chesa- 
peake.— Jamestown is founded.— The Plymouth Company revived by Smith.— 
He explores and maps New England.— Attempts are made to form a colony.- 
The Plymouth Company is superseded by the Council of Plymouth.— A new 
plan of colonization is made.— Smith appointed admiral.— The Puritans in 
England.— They remove to Amsterdam and Leyden.— Determine to remove to 
America.— Ask permission.— Meet with discouragements.— Procure two ves- 
sels.— Sail from Leyden, and afterward from Southampton.— The Speedwell is 
found unfit for the voyage.— The Pilgrims depart in the Mayflower.— A stormy 
voyage.— Cape Cod is reached.— The frame of government.— Carver is elect^fd 
governor.— The landing is delayed.— The ship driven by storms.— Enters Ply- 
mouth harbor,— The Pui-itans on shore.— Begin to build.— Attacked with dis- 
eases.— Many die.-Au early spring brings relief. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
VOYAGES AND SETTLEMENTS OF THE DUTCH. 

THE first Dutch settlement in America was made on Manhattan 
Island. The colony resulted from the voyages of 8ir Henry 
Hudson. In the year 1607 this great sailor was employed by a 
company of London merchants to discover a new route to the 



VOYAGES AND SETTLEMENTS OF TUE DUTCH. 49 

Indies. He first made a voyage in a single ship into the North 
Atlantic, but was compelled by the icebergs to return to England. 
Another voyage also resulted in failure ; and his employers gave up 
the enterprise. In 1609 the Dutch East India Company furnished 
him with a ship called the Rcdf Moon, and in April he set out on 
his third voyage for the Indies. Again he ran among the icebergs, 
and further saihng was impossible. But not discouraged, he imme- 
diately set sail for America. 

2. In July Hudson reached the coast of Maine. Sailing south- 
ward, he passed Cape Cod, and in August reached the Chesapeake. 
Again he turned to the north, and on the 28th of the month an- 
chored in DelaAvare Bay. Then the voyage was continued along 
the coast of New Jersey, until, on the 3d of September, the Half 
Moon came to anchorage in the bay of Sandy Hook. Two days 
later a landing was effected. The natives came with gifts of corn, 
wild fruit, and oysters. On the 10th of the month the vessel 
passed the Narrows and entered the noble river which bears the 
name of Hudson. 

3. For eight days the Half Moon sailed up the river. Such 
beautiful forests and valleys the Dutch had never seen before. On 
the 19th of September the vessel was moored at Kinderhook ; but 
an exploring party rowed up stream beyond the site of Albany. 
After some days they returned to the ship, the vessel dropped down 
the river, and on the 4th of October the sails were spread for Hol- 
land. On the homeward voyage the Half Moon was detained in 
England, and the crew were claimed as Englishmen. 

4. In the summer of 1610, a ship, called the Discovery, was given 
to Hudson, who now left England never to return. He sailed in 
the track which Frobisher had taken, and on the 2d day of An 
gust entered the strait which bears the name of its discoverer. 
No ship had ever before been in these waters. The great captain 
and his crew believed that the route to China was at last dis- 
covered; but he soon found himself environed with the terrors of 
winter in the frozen gulf of the North. With great courage he 
bore up until his provisions were almost exhausted. Then the 
treacherous crew broke out in mutiny. They seized Hudson and 
his only son, with seven other faithful sailors, threw them into an 



50 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

open boat, and cast them off among the icebergs. The fate of the 
illustrious mariner has never been ascertained. 

5. In 1610 the Half Moon was liberated and returned to Am- 
sterdam. In the same year several ships owned by Dutch mer- 
chants sailed to the banks of the Hudson and engaged in the fur- 
trade. In 1614 an act was passed by the States-General of Hol- 
land giving to merchants of Amsterdam the right to trade and 
establish settlements in the country explored by Hudson. A fleet 
of live trading- vessels arrived in the summer of the same year at 
Manhattan Island. Here some rude huts had already been built 
by former traders, and the settlement was named New Amsterdam. 

6. In the fall of 1614, Adrian Block sailed into Long Island 
Sound, made explorations to the mouth of the Connecticut, thence 
to Narraganset Bay, and to Cape Cod. Christiansen, another 
Dutch commander, sailed up the river from Manhattan to Castle 
Island, and erected a block-house, which was named Fort Nassau. 
Cornelius May, the captain of a small vessel called the Fortune, 
sailed from New Amsterdam and explored the Jersey coast as far 
as the Bay of Delaware. Upon these two voyages Holland set up 
a claim to the country which was now named New Netherland, 
extending from Cape Henlopen to Cape Cod — a claim which 
Great Britain and France treated with contempt. Such were the 
feeble beginnings of the Dutch colonies in New York and Jersey. 



Dutch settlements in America result from the voyages of Hudson.— He is em- 
ployed to find the Indies.— Sails into the Nortli Atlantic— Fails in liiseflTort.— 
Is sent on a second voyage.— And fails.— Goes into the service of the Dutch.— 
Sails on a third voyage.— Is driven back by the icebergs.— Turns to America.— 
Explores the coast.— Enters New York harbor.— Discovers the Hudson River.- 
Explores that stream as far as Albany.— Returns to Dartmouth.— Is detained 
by the English.— Is sent on a fovirth expedition.— Discovers Hudson Strait and 
Bay.— Is overtaken by winter.— The ci-ew mutiny.— Hudson is cast off among 
the icebergs.— Dutch vessels begin to trade at Manhattan.— The States-General 
grant a right to trade.— A settlement is made on Manhattan Island.— Block 
explores Long Island Sound.— Christianson builds Fort Nassau.— May explores 
the coast of New Jersey.— Holland claims the country from Delaware Bay to 
Cape Cod. 



PART rn. 
COLONIAL HISTORY 

PARENT COLONIES. 
A. I>. 1607— 1754. 



CHAPTER IX. 

VIRGINIA— THE FIRST CHARTER. 

rnHE first settlers at Jamestown were idle and improvident. Only 
-L twelve of those who came in 1607 were common laborers. There 
weue four carpenters in the company, six or eight masons and black- 
smiths, and a long list of gentlemen. If necessity had not soon 
driven these to toil, the colony must have perished. The few mar- 
ried men had left their families in England. 

2. The affairs of the colony were badly managed. King James 
had made out sealed instructions ; and the names of the governor 
and members of the council were unknown during the voyage. In 
this state of misrule. Captain John Smith, the best man in the col- 
ony, was suspected of making a plot to murder the council and to 
make himself king of Virginia. He was arrested and confined 
until the end of the voyage. When at last the colonists reached 
their destination, the king's instructions were unsealed and the names 
of the Inferior Council made known. A meeting was held and 
Edward Wingfield elected first governor of Virginia. Smith was 
now charged with sedition and excluded from the council. But 
when it was found that his enemies could bring nothing against 
him, he was restored to his place. 

3. As soon as the settlement was well begun. Smith and New- 
port, with twenty others, explored James River for forty-five miles 

* ^ (51) . 



52 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Just below tlie falls, near the present site of Richmond, the ex- 
})lorers found the capital of Powhatan, the Indian king. But 
the ''city" was only a squalid village of twelve Avigwams. The 

monarch received the 
foreigners with cour- 
tesy and showed no 
dislike at the intru- 
sion. The company 
returned to James- 
town, and on the 15th 
of June Newport em- 
barked for England. 
4. The colonists now 
began to realize their 
situation. They were 
alone in the New 
World. Winter was 
approaching. Dread- 
ful diseases broke out 
in the settlement, 
and the colony was 
brought almost to 
ruin. At one time 
only five men were 
able to go on. duty as sentinels. Gosnold died, and before the 
middle of September one-half of the colonists had been swept off 
by the malady. But the frosts of autumn came, and the ravages 
of disease were checked. 

5. Civil dissension was added to other calamities. President 
Wingfield and George Kendall were detected in embezzling the 
stores of the colony, and were removed from office. Ratcliffe was 
then chosen president, but was found incompetent. Only Martin 
and Smith now remained in the council, and by common consent 
the latter took charge of the colony. 

6. The new president was an Englishman by birth; a soldier, 
a traveler, and a hero. Under his administration the new settle- 
ment soon began to show signs of progress. His first care was to 




CAPTAIN JOHN isJUlII, 



1600 



11-32. Grustavus Adolphus the Great. 

18-48. The Thirty Years' War. 
24-42. Richelieu. 

1564-42. Oallleo, the Astronomer. 

1561-26. Bacon, the Philosopher. 43. LOIIIS XIT. 

1564-16. Shakespeare, the Dramatist. - 85. 

32-1704. John Locke, the Philosopher. 8 

1583-45. Orotius, Autlior and Statesman. 
1571-30. Kepler, the Astronomer. 48. Peace of Westphalia. 

8-74. Milton, the Poet. 49. Abolition of the English Monarchy. 

3. James VI. of Scotland becomes 49. OlivCr CrOmWCll, Protector. 

James I. of England. ^^, m t, . 

° 60. The Restoration. 

25. Charles I. 42. The Eng^lish Revolution. 

6U. Charles n. 85. 



89. Pete 

97. 



Revocation 
•. The Habe; 



88. Second E 
88. Williai 



James II. 

94. W 



VIRGINIA colonized by the Lon- 43. Persecutions of the Baptists and Quakers. 

don Company at Jamestown. 44. Tlie Indian massacre. 73. Grant to Arlington and Culji 

John .Smith, governor, explores the Chesapeake. 76. Bacon's Rebellion. 

9. Second Charter granted. 42. Berkeley's administration. 



12. Third Chart 

19, 

19. 



ranted. 



80. Virginia beconie.s 
Establishmpnt of the House of Rurgresses. 84. Royal govc 

Introduction of Slavery. (io. Berkeley's second adminlstrat'n'. 92. Wi 

24. The Loudon Company 51. • NORTH CAROLINA colonized by the finglisli 

is dissolved. , 63. Grant made to Lord Clarendon. 

24. The royal government. . 69. The Grand Model is prepared. 



). Harvey'sadministration. . 

34 



83. Seth Sothc 



MARYLAND colonized by the Raltimores. 

3y. Representative government e.stablished. 91. Roy 

42. War tvith the Indians. 75. Administration of Sii 
4.'). (layt'orne's insurrection. 92. I<i 



14. 



NEW YORK settled by the Dutch. 63. IVar with the Indians. 96. 

23. The Walloons come to New Amsterdam. 64. Conquest of New Netheiland by tli 

47. Peter Stuyvesant, governor. 92. F 

26. imnuit, governor. 74. Administration of Sir 1 

29. The Charter of Privileges is granted. 9." 

38. Administration of Kieft, 84. Treaty of A I 

88. Leisler'f^ 



38. • DELAWARE 55. . Conquered by the Dutch. 
. colonized by the . 82. 

. Swedes. 



Finally separr 
91. Sect 



23. . NEW JERSEY settled by 

the J>uteh. 



64. Permanent colonization. 
68. First General Assembly. 

77. Division of East and 



Puritans at 

Plymouth. 



20. • MASSACHUSETTS colonized by the 

21. Treaty with Massasoit. 

26. First settlement in Maine. 
30. Boston lounded 

34. The ballot-box introduced. 
36. Banishment of Williams, 

38. Founding of Harvard College. 
39. The printing-press at Cambridge. 
43. Thp Union of New England. 

36 



79. 



NEW HAMP- 
SHIRE orgj 
ized as a distil 
colony. 



King Philip's Wa 

81. Massachusetts I 
89. Kin^^l 

90. First i 
92. Th. 



RHODE ISLAND colonize.l by Roger WiUiams. 

38. Arrival of Clarlte and Coddinijton. 6ti. Troubles wi 

41. The Demoeracv established. (hl.Tlie charter. 87. Union wit' 



30. . CONNECTICUT ur 

33. Hartford founded. 
37. Pequod War. 

.39. Constituiiciii framed 



ed to Warwick 



87. Hiding 
87. Aiidros' U 
75. Captain Bull's defense 
62. Winthrop, governor. 



ClEHj^lECir XJi 



COLONIAL PERIOD. 



70. . SOtJTH OAEOLINA coic 

71. Importation ot slaves. 

80. Charleston found.; 
86. Arrival 

93. Th 

' 82. . PENNYSL^ 

83. Philadelph 

91. Seen 
92. Pel 

9.S 



A. D. 1607-1775. 



1700 

he Great t,2. Calharlnell. 30-97. Burlte. 

laiies xii' 40. Frederick the Great. 

Var of Ibe Spaiiisli Succession. 40. War oftlie Austrian Succession. 

13. Peace of Utrecht. 4S. Treaty of Aix-la>4'liai>elle. S9. French 

15. Louis XV. Revolulion. 

„.. . <• T>T , 74. Louis XTI. 93. Reign 

le Edict of Mantes. ^ ofTer- 

orpus grauted. ror. 

1642-27. Sir Isaac Newton, the Mathematician. 
164fHl6. I^eibnitz, Germau philosopher. 9-S4. I>r. Samuel Jobnson. 

sh Revolution. -o M^ Fnll nf Oueher 59-1S06. Pitt. 

«id Mary 14. Accession of the House of •^^- PI ^"" "-' '^'^ebec. ^y-i^i^. Fox . 

Hauover-Bruuswick. ti.'). The Rocivingham Ministry. 

65. The Stamp Act. 

, . „ _ s-76. Chatham. 

2. Anne. 14. George I. 

iani III. 27. Cteorge II. (,(i. George III. 

er. 

32. Birth of W^ashington. 

f)5. Passage of the Virginia Resolutiona. 
roprietary Government, 
lent le-established. 

01 and Mary College founded. 

y. Airival of German immigrants. 
11. IVar with the Tuscaroras. 

29. Final separation of the Carolinas. 
rovernor. 44. The t^pani.^h invasion. 

15. Restoration of the Baltimores. 
(ivernment established. 
riiarles Calvert. 
lel Copley, governor. ^ 

e Freiicli invasion. 32. Trial of Zeiiger. .54. Frencii and Indian War. 

nglisli. 32. Aamiuistration of Cosby. 

uher's Administration. 41. The uegro plot 

iiund Andros. 54. Franklin's Consiitutioh adopted at Albany. 

tellomont, governor. 65. First (.olouial Congress, 

y. Cornbury's administration. 70. The British riot. 



irrect'n. 9. Expedition against Montreal. 


.58. 


Fall ol 


' Louisburg. . 


from New York. 
)n of Delaware from Pennsylvania. 









2. Union of the Jerseys. 33. Administration of licwis Morris. 

2. Royal government' established. 

st Jersey. 28. Separated from Nevr York. 

Ue-united with ^Massachusetts. 

2. Queen Anne'.s War. 41^ • Final separation of New Hampshire from Massachusetts. 

4. 1 lie Boston Ai?u'«-jLe<<e;- established. 



10. First post-office. 



, her charte;;- "^^^^'^^'^^ ^°^'"" ^"^'"- ''^- K ^^^^ «/ ^-'-^-^- '^- W iSfSi«. 

lliam's War. 59. Wolfe's expedition. 

e of paper money. 20. Introduction of tea. 70. Tumult in Boston. 

lem witchcraft." 40 ■ King George's W^ar. 73. The B oston Tea-party. 

\ndros. 

ew York. __^ 

charter. 

pation. 17. Removal of Yale to New Haven. 

aybrook. 

. Yale College founded. ._ 

?d by the English. 29. Royal government established. 73. Destruction of tea 

2. Expedition atraiiist Pt. Augustine. " at Charleston. 

5. War with the Indians. 
e Huguenots. 15. War with the ITamassees. 
rand Model abrogated. 

19. Revolution in the government. 

flA colonized by Penn. 

ded. .53. Washington's mis- 74. Second Colonial Congresa 

>n of Delaware. 18-79. The younger Penns in authority. sion to Le Bceuf. at Philadelphia. 

e°ru^r\^e^S^•o his rights. ^^- ft ^-^^-^''' ^«/-'- 

6-90. Dr. Benjamin Franklin. 76^ Independence. 

33. ■ G-EORQ-IA colonized by Oglethorpe. 

42. i|l Bloody Marsh. 

52. Royal government established. 

.58. Establishment of the Episcopal Cliurcli. 



VIRGINIA.— THE FIRST CHARTER. 53 

improve the Iniildings of the plantation. The next measure was 
to secure a supply of provisions. There had been a plentiful har- 
vest among the Indians ; but the work of procuring corn was not 
an easy task. Descending James River to Hampton Roads, Smith 
landed with five companions and offered the natives hatchets and 
copper coins in exchange for corn. The Indians only laughed at 
tlie proposal, and mocked the foreigners by offering a piece of bread 
for Smith's sworxl and musket. The English then charged on the 
wigwams, and found an abundant store of corn. A parley ensued ; 
and the warriors were obliged to purchase peace by loading the 
boats of the English, who then rowed up the river to Jamestown. 

7. Soon the Indians in the neighborhood of the settlement began 
to come into the fort with voluntary contributions. The fear of 
famine passed away. The woods were full of wild turkeys. Good 
discipline was maintained in the colony, and friendly relations were 
established with the natives. Seeing the end of their distresses, the 
colonists became cheerful and happy. 

8. As soon as winter set in, the president, with six Englishmen 
and two Indian guides, began to explore the country on the 
Chickahominy. It was believed by the people of Jamestown 
that by going up this stream tlieij could reach the Pacific Ocean! 
Smith knew the absurdity of such an opinion, but humored it 
because of the opportunity which it gave him to explore new ter- 
ritory. The rest might dig for gold-dust and hunt for the Pacific ; 
he would see the country and make maps. 

9. The president and his companions ascended the river until it 
dwindled to a mere creek, winding about the woods and meadows. 
The men who were left to protect the boats were attacked by the 
Indians, and several of the English were killed. Smith was at last 
discovered, wounded with an arrow, and chased through the woods. 
He fought, ran, and fired by turns, stumbled into a morass, and 
was finally overtaken. The savages were wary of their antagonist 
until he laid down his gun and was pulled out of the mire. 

10. Smith demanded to see the Indian chief, and on being taken 
into his presence, excited his curiosity by showing him a pocket- 
compass and a watch. These instruments struck the Indians with 
awe; but the savages grew tired of trifling, bound their captive to 



54 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

a tree, and prepared to shoot him. At the critical moment he 
flourished his compass in the air and the Indians were afraid to 
fire. But the danger of torture was yet to be avoided. 

11. Smith was next taken to Orapax, a few miles from the site 
of Richmond. Here he found the Indians making preparations 
to attack and destroy Jamestown. They invited him to become 
their leader, but he refused and managed to write a letter to his 
countrymen telling them of their peril. This letter, which seemed 
to the Indians to have a mysterious power of carrying intelligence, 
frightened them more than ever. When the warriors arrived at 
Jamestown and found every thing as Smith had said, their terror 
knew no bounds ; and, as soon as they returned, all thought of 
attacking the colony was given up. 

12. The Indians now marched their captive about from village 
to village. Near the fork of York River, they came to Pamunkey, 
the capital of Opechancanough. Here Smith was turned over to 
the priests, who assembled in their Long House and for three days 
danced around him, sang and yelled after the manner of their 
superstition. The object was to determine by this wild ceremony 
what his fate should be. The decision was against him, and he was 
condemned to death. 

13. Smith was next taken down the river to a town where Pow- 
hatan lived in winter. The savage monarch was now sixty years 
of age. He received the prisoner with all the formalities p'eculiar 
to his race. Clad in a robe of raccoon skins, he took his seat in the 
Long House. His two daughters sat near him, and warriors and 
women were ranged around the hall. The king reviewed the cause 
and confirmed the sentence of death. Two large stones were 
brought into the hall. Smith was dragged forth bound, and his 
head put into position to be crushed with a war-club. A painted 
savage was ordered out <jf the rank and stood ready. The signal 
was given ; the executioner raised his club, and another moment 
had decided the fate of the captive and his colony. But in that 
moment, Matoaka,* the eldest daughter of Powhatan, rushed be- 

* Powhatan's tribe had a superstition that a person ichose real name was unknown 
could not be injured. They therefore told the English falsely that Matoaka's name 
was Pocahontas. 



VIRGINIA.— THE FIRST CHARTER 55 

tween the warrior's club and the prostrate prisoner. She clasped 
his head in her arms and held on until her father, yielding to her 
appeals, ordered Smith to be unbound. Again he was rescued 
from a terrible death. 

14. Powhatan decided that the prisoner should remain in his 
household and make toys for his daughters. Soon, however, it 
was agreed that he should return to Jamestown. He was liberated 
on condition that he should send back to Orapax two cannons and 
a grindstone. Certain warriors accomi^anied Smith to the set- 
tlement, where, under pretense of teaching them gunnery, he 
had the cannons loaded with stones and discharged among the 
tree-tops. There was a terrible crash, and the savages, fearing to 
touch the dreadful engines, returned to their king with neither 
guns nor grindstones. 

15. Only thirty-eight of the settlers were now alive, and these 
were frost-bitten and half starved. Their leader had been absent 
for seven weeks in the middle of winter. The old fears of the 
colonists had revived, and when Smith returned he found all 
hands preparing to abandon the settlement. With much persua- 
sion he induced the majority to abandon this project, but the rest, 
burning with resentment against him, made a conspiracy to kill him. 

16. In these days Newport arrived from England, bringing a 
store of supplies and a hundred and twenty immigrants. But the 
new-comers gave no promise of good. They were gentlemen, gold- 
hunters, jewelers, engravers, adventurers, and strollers. Smith was 
much vexed at this, for he had urged Newport to bring over only 
a few industrious mechanics and laborers. 

17. As soon as the weather would permit, the new-comers and 
some of the old settlers began to stroll about the country digging 
for gold. In a bank of sand at the mouth of a small creek some 
glittering particles were found, and the whole settlement was 
thrown into excitement. Martin and Newport filled one of the 
ships with the supposed gold-dust and sent it to England. Soon 
afterward a company sailed up James River to find the Pacific 
Ocean! Fourteen weeks of the spring-time were consumed in 
this nonsense. Even the Indians ridiculed the madness of men 
who were wasting their chances for a crop of corn. 



56 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



18. In the midst of this geneTal folly Smith formed the design 
of exploring the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Accompa- 
nied by Dr. Kussell and thirteen others, he left Jamestown on the 
2d day of June. In an open barge he steered boldly out by way 

of Hampton Roads as 
far as Smith's Island. 
Returning thence 
around Cape Charles, 
the survey of the east- 
ern shore of the bay 
was begun, and con- 
tinued northward as 
far as the river Wi- 
comico. From this 
point the expedition 
crossed over to the 
Patuxent, and thence 
northward along the 
western side to the Pa- 
tapsco. Here some of 
the company became 
discontented, and in- 
sisted on returning to 
the colony. Smith 
consented, but in steer- 
ing southward had the 
good fortune to enter 
the mouth of the Po- 
tomac. Pleased with 
the prospect, the crew 
turned the barge up 
stream and continued 
the voyage as far as the falls at Georgetown. Tired of adven- 
ture, they then dropped down the river to the bay, and reached 
Jamestown on the 21st of July. 

19. After a rest of three days a second voyage was begun. 
This time the expedition reached the head of the bay, and sailed 




Jamestown and Vicinity. 
Smith's First Voyage in the Chesapeake ...., 
Smith's Second Voyage in the Chesapeake • 



VIRGINIA.— THE FIRST CHARTER. 57 

far up the Susquehanna. Here the Indians were (if gigantic stat- 
ure and fierce disposition. On the return voyage Smith explored 
every sound and inlet of any note, as far as the Rappahannoc. 
This stream he ascended to the head of navigation, and then re- 
turned to Jamestown. He had been absent a little more than 
three months, and had explored the coast of the great bay for 
fully three thousand miles. He had been driven about by storms, 
once wrecked, once stung by a poisonous fish and brought so near 
to death that his comrades digged his grave; now he was come 
back to the colony with a Map of the Chesapeake, which lie 
sent by Newport to England, and which is still preserved. 

20. Smith was now formally elected president. Soon there was 
a marked change for the better ; gold-hunting ceased, and the rest 
of the year was noted as a time of prosperity. In the autumn 
Newport arrived with seventy additional immigrants. The health 
was so good that only seven deaths occurred between September 
and the following May. Every well man was obliged to work 
six hours a day. New houses were built, new fields fenced in ; and 
through the winter J;he sound of axe and hammer gave token of a 
prosperous and growing village. 



I2,EC^:PITUXj^TI01iT. 

Bad character of the first settlers.— Necessity drives them to labor.— The king 
gives sealed instructions.— Smith is arrested.— Restored to his place in the 
council.— He and Newport explore the James.— Newport goes to England.— The 
colonists are discouraged.— Disease ravages the settlement.— Gosnold dies.— 
Wiugfield embezzles the funds,— Is removed from office.— Ratcliffe succeeds.— 
And is impeached.— Smith takes control of the colony.- Sketch of his life.— 
The settlement flourishes.— Smith procures supplies,— The Indians bring pro- 
visions,— Smith explores the Chickahominy,— Is captured by the Indians.— 
Saves his life by stratagem.— Is carried to Orapax,— Is condemned to death.— 
And saved by Pocahontas.— Is liberated.— Returns to Jamestown.— Terrifies the 
savages,— Deplorable condition of the settlement.— Plot to abandon the place.— 
Newport arrives with new immigrants.— As bad as the others,— The gold- 
hunters go abroad,— And find mica in the sand.— A ship load of dirt sent to Eng- 
land.— The planting season goes by,— Smith makes his exploration of the 
Chesapeake.— Retui'ns.— Is elected president.— Newport arrives with immi- 
grants and supplies.— Progress of the colony. 



58 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER X. 

VIRGINIA.— THE SECOND CHARTER. 

ON the 23d day of May, 1609, King James granted to the Lon- 
don Company a new charter, by which the government of 
Virginia was completely changed. The territory was extended 
from Cape Fear to Sandy Hook, and westward to the Pacific 
Ocean. The members of the Superior Council were now to be 
chosen by the stockholders of the company, vacancies were to 
be filled by the councilors, who were also empowered to elect a 
governor. 

2. The new council was at once organized, and Lord De La 
Ware chosen governor for life. Witli him were joined in authority 
Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Somers, (Christopher Newport, Sir 
Thomas Dale, and Sir Ferdinand Wainman. Five hundred emi- 
grants were speedily collected, and in June a fleet of nine vessels 
sailed for America. Lord Delaware did not himself accompany 
the expedition, but delegated his authority to Somers, Gates, and 
Newport. In July the ships, then in the West Indies, were scat- 
tered by a storm. One vessel was wrecked, and another, having 
on board the commissioners of Delaware, was driven ashore on one 
of the Bermudas; the other seven ships came safely to James- 
town. 

3. Captain Smith continued in authority under the old constitu- 
tion; but the colony was in an uproar. The president was in 
daily peril of his life. He put some of the most rebellious 
brawlers in prison, and then, in order to distract the attention of 
the rest, planned two new settlements — one, of a hundred and 
twenty men, at Nansemond ; the other, of the same number, at the 
falls of the James. Both companies behaved badly. In a few 
days after their departure troubles arose with the Indians. While 



VIRGINIA.— THE SECOND CHARTER. 59 

attempting to quell these difficulties, Smith was wounded by the 
explosion of a bag of gunpowder. Despairing of relief under the 
imperfect medical treatment which the colony afforded, he decided 
to return to England. He accordingly delegated his authority to 
Sir George Percy, and about the middle of September, 1609, left 
the scene of his toils and sufferings, never to return. 

4:. A colony of four hundred and ninety persons remained at 
Jamestown. Such was the bad management after Smith's de- 
parture that the settlement was soon brought face to face with 
starvation. The Indians became hostile; stragglers were mur- 
dered ; houses were set on fire ; disease retui-ned to add to the 
desolation ; and cold and hunger made the winter long remembered 
as The Starving Time. By the last of March only sixty persons 
were left alive. 

5. Meanwhile, Sir. Thomas Gates- and his companions who had 
been shipwrecked in the Bermudas, constructed two small vessels, 
and set sail for Virginia. They came in expectation of a joyful 
greeting. What was their disappointment when a few wan, half- 
starved wretches crawled out of their cabins to beg for bread! 
Whatever stores the commissioners had brought with them were 
distributed to the settlers, and Gates assumed control of the gov- 
ernment. 

6. But the colonists had now determined to abandon the place 
forever. In vain did the commissioners remonstrate ; they were 
almost driven to yield to the common will. An agreement was 
made to sail for Newfoundland, and on the 8th of June Jamestown 
was abandoned. The disheartened settlers were anxious to burn 
the town, but Gates prevented them from doing so. Embarking 
in their four boats, the colonists dropped down with the river, and 
it seemed that the enterprise of Raleigh and Gosnold had ended in 
a failure. 

7. Lord Delaware was already on his way to America. Before 
the escaping settlers had reached the sea the ships of the governor 
came in sight. He brought additional immigrants, plentiful sup- 
plies, and promise of better things. The colonists reluctantly con- 
sented to return, and before nightfall the fires were again kindled 
at Jamestown. On the next day the governor caused his com mis- 



60 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

siou to be read, and entered upon the discharge of his duties. His 
amiability and virtue, no less than the wisdom of his administra- 
tion, endeared him to all and inspired the colony with liope. 

8, Lord Delaware was compelled, on account of ill-health, to 
return to England. His authority was delegated to Percy, who 
had been the deputy of Captain Smith. The Superior Council 
had already dispatched a new shipload of stores and another 
company of emigrants, under Sir Thomas Dale. When the vessel 
arrived at Jamestown, Percy was superseded by Dale, who adopted 
a system of martial law as the basis of his administration. In 
the latter part of August, Sir Thomas Gates arrived with a fleet 
of six ships, having on board three hundred additional immigrants 
and a large quantity of stores. 

9. Thus far the property of the settlers at Jamestown had been 
held in common. The colonists had worked together, and in time 
of harvest deposited their products in public storehouses. Now the 
right of holding private property was recognized. Governor Gates 
had the lands divided so that each settler should have three acres 
of his own ; every family might cultivate a garden and plant an 
orchard, the fruits of which no one but the owner was allowed to 
gather. The benefits of this system of labor were at once apparent, 
and the laborers became cheerful and industrious. 



I^E C J^ IP I TTJ Xj-^T I O IT . 

King James grants a new charter.— Changes are made in the government.— 
A- new council is organized.— Delaware is chosen governor.— His associates.— 
A fleet with emigrants sails for America.— Encounters a storm.— Two ves- 
sels are wrecked.— Seven ships reach Jamestown.— The commissioners are 
left on tlie Bermudas.— Smith retains the presidency.— New settlements are 
projected.— Smith is wounded.— Returns to England.— Colony suffers after his 
departure.— The starving time.— Gates and his companions reach Virginia.— 
The settlement is abandoned.— Delaware meets the colony.— And persuades 
tliem to return.— Prosperity begins.— Delaware falls sick.— And returns to Eng- 
land.— Percy is deputy.— Dale arrives as governor.— Brings immigrants.— New 
colonists arrive.— Tlie colony improves.— Gates is made governor.— The right of 
private property is recognized. 



VIBGimA.—THE THIRD CHARTER. 61 



CHAPTER XI. 
VIRGINIA— THE THIRD CHARTER. 

[N the year 1612 the London Company obtained from the king a 
third patent, by which the character of the government was 
again changed. The Superior Council was abolished, and the 
stockholders were authorized to elect their own officers and to gov- 
ern the colony on their owai responsibility. The cause of this 
change was the unprofitableness of the colony and the dissatisfac- 
tion of the company with the management of the council. The 
new patent w-as a great step toward a democratic form of govern- 
ment in Virginia. 

2. In 1613, while Captain Samuel Argall w^as on an expedition 
up the Potomac, he learned that Pocahontas was residing in that 
neighborhood. With the help of an Indian family the captain 
enticed the girl on board his vessel and carried her captive to 
Jamestown. The authorities of the colony decided that Powhatan 
should pay a heavy ransom for his daughter's liberation. The 
old king indignantly refused, and ordered his tribes to prepare 
for war. Meanw^hile, Pocahontas was converted to the Christian 
faith and became a member of the Episcopal Church. Soon after- 
ward John Rolfe, a worthy young man of the colony, sought the 
hand of the princess in marriage. Powhatan and his chiefs gave 
their consent, and the nuptials were celebrated in the spring of 
the next year. By this means a bond of union w^as established 
between the Indians and the whites. 

3. Two years later, Rolfe and his wife went to England, where 
they were received with great respect. Captain Smith gave them 
a letter of introduction to Queen Anne, and many attentions w^re 
bestowed on the modest daughter of the Western wilderness. In 
the following year, while Rolfe was making preparations to return 



62 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

to America, Pocahontas fell sick and died. There was left of this 
marriage a son, who came to Jamestown, and was a man of some 
importance in the colony. To him several families of Virginians 
still trace their origin. John Randolph of Roanoke was a de- 
scendant of Pocahontas. 

4. Captain Argall was next sent with an armed vessel to the 
coast of Maine. The object of the voyage was to protect the 
English fishermen, and to destroy the colonies of France, if any 
should be found within the territory claimed by Englando The 
French authorities of Acadia were at this time building a village 
near the mouth of the Penobscot. This settlement was pillaged 
and the houses burned ; part of the inhabitants were sent to France 
and the rest carried to the Chesapeake. The French colony at the 
mouth of the St. Croix was next attacked, and the fort cannon- 
aded and destroyed. At Port Royal, Argall burned the hamlet 
which Poutrincourt had built there eight years before. On his way 
back to Virginia he fell upon the Dutch of Manhattan Island, 
destroyed their huts, and compelled the settlers to acknowledge 
the king of England. By these outrages, the French settlements 
in America were confined to the banks of the St. Lawrence. 

5. In March of 1614, Sir Thomas Gates returned to England, 
leaving the government in the hands of Dale. In these times the 
laws of the colony were much improved, and the colonial industry 
took a better form. Hitherto the settlers had engaged in planting 
vineyards and in the manufacture of soap, glass, and tar. The 
managers of the company had at last learned that these articles 
could be produced more cheaply in Europe than in America. 
They had also discovered that the products of the New World 
might be raised and exported with great profit. The chief of 
these products was the tobacco-plant, the use of which had become 
fashionable in Spain, England, and France. This, then, became 
the leading staple of the colony, and was even used for money. 
So entirely did the settlers give themselves to the cultivation of 
the weed that the streets of Jamestown were plowed up and planted 
with it. 

6. In 1617 the unprincipled Captain Argall was elected governor. 
His administration was marked by fraud and violence. When the 



VIRGINIA.— THE THIRD CHARTER. 63 

news of his proceedings reached England emigration ceased, and 
Lord Dehiware embarked for Virginia, in the hope of restoring 
order. But the worthy nobleman died on the voyage, and Argall 
continued in office. In 1619 he was at last displaced, and Sir 
George Yeardley appointed to succeed him. 

7. Martial law was now abolished. Taxes were repealed, and 
the people freed from many burdens. Another action was taken 
of still greater importance. Governor Yeardley divided the planta- 
tions into eleven districts, called boroughs, and ordered the citizenc 
of each borough to elect two of their number to take part in the 
government. The elections were duly held, and on the 30th of 
July, 1619, the Virginia House of Burgesses was organized — 
the first popular assembly in the New World. In this body there 
was freedom of debate but very little political power. 

8. The year 1619 was also marked by the introduction of slavery. 
The servants at Jamestown had hitherto been English or Germans, 
whose term oi service had varied from a few months to many years. 
No perpetual servitude had thus far been recognized. In the month 
of August a Dutch man-of-war sailed up the river to the planta- 
tions, and offered by auction twenty Africans. They were pur- 
chased by the wealthier class of planters, and made slaves for life. 

9. There were now six hundred men in the colony ; but they 
were, for the most part, rovers who intended to return to England. 
Very few families had emigrated, and society in Virginia was rude 
and coarse. In this condition of affairs, Sir Thomas Smith was 
superseded by Sir Edwyn Sandys, a man of prudence and integrity. 
A reformation of abuses was at once begun and carried out. In the 
summer of 1620, the new treasurer succeeded in sending to Amer- 
ica a company of twelve hundred and sixty-one persons. Among 
the number were ninety young women of good breeding and modest 
manners. In the following spring, sixty others of similar good 
character came over, and received a hearty welcome. 

10. When Sandys sent these women to America, he charged 
the colonists with the expense of the voyage — a measure made 
necessary by the fact that the company was bankrupt. An assess- 
ment was made according to the number who were brought over, 
and the rate fixed at a hundred and twenty pounds of tobacco for 



64 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

each passenger — a sum which the settlers cheerfully paid. There 
were merry marriages at Jamestown, and the social condition of 
the colony was much improved. When the second shipload came, 
the cost of transportation was fixed at a hundred and fifty pounds 
for each passenger, which was also paid without complaint. 

11. In July of 1621 the London Company gave to Virginia a 
code of written laws framed according to the English constitution. 
The governor of the colony was to be appointed by the company, 
a council to be chosen by the same body, and a house of burgesses 
to be elected by the people. In making laws the councilors and 
burgesses sat together. When a new law was proposed, it was 
debated, and if passed received the governor's signature, and was 
then sent to England to be ratified. The constitution acknowl- 
edged the right of petition and of trial by jury; and the burgesses 
were given the power of vetoing the acts of the company. 

12. In October, 1621, Sir Francis Wyatt, who had been com- 
missioned as governor, brought the new constitution of Virginia. 
The colony was found in a flourishing condition. The settlements 
extended for a hundred and forty miles along the banks of James 
River, and far into the interior. But the Indians had grown jeal- 
ous of the colonists, and determined to destroy them before it 
should be too late. Circumstances favored the savages in their 
meditated treachery. Pocahontas was dead. The peaceable Pow- 
hatan had likewise passed away. Opechancanough, who succeeded 
him in 1618, had long been plotting the destruction of the English, 
and the time had come for the tragedy. 

13. Until the very day of the massacre the Indians continued on 
terms of friendship with the colonists. They came into the settle- 
ments, ate with their victims, borrowed boats and guns, and gave 
no token of hostility. On the 22d of March, at midday, the 
work of butchery began. Every hamlet in Virginia was attacked 
by the barbarians. Men, women, and children were indiscrimi- 
nately slaughtered, until three hundred and forty-seven had perished 
under the hatchets of the savages. 

14. But Indian treachery was thwarted by Indian faithfulness. 
A converted Red man, wishing to save an Englishman who had 
been his friend, went to him on the night before the massacre and 



VIRGINIA.— THE THIRD CHARTER. 65 

revealed the plot. The alarm was spread among the settlements, 
and thus the greater part of the colony escaped destruetion. But 
the outer plantations were entirely destroyed. The people crowded 
together on the larger farms about Jamestown, until of the eighty 
settlements there were only eight remaining. Still, there were 
sixteen hundred brave men in the colony; and sorrow soon gave 
place to vengeance. Parties of English soldiers scoured the coun- 
try, burning villages and killing every savage that fell in their 
way, until the tribes were driven into the wilderness. The colo- 
nists, regaining their confidence, returned to their farms, and the 
next year the population increased to two thousand five hundred. 

15. The liberal constitution of Virginia soon proved offensive to 
King James, and he determined to obtain control of the London 
Company, or suppress it altogether. A committee was appointed 
to look into the aflTairs of the corporation and report on its manage- 
ment. The commissioners performed their duty, and reported that 
the company was unsound in its principles, that the treasury was 
bankrupt, and that the government of Virginia was very bad. 

16. Legal proceedings were now instituted against the company, 
and the judges decided that the patent was null and void. The 
charter of the corporation was accordingly canceled by the king, 
and in June of 1624 the London Company ceased to exist. But 
its worK had been well done. A torch of liberty had been lighted 
on the banks of the James, which all the tyranny of after times 
could not extinguish. 



The London Company receives a third patent.— The colony unprofitablc- 
Argall kidnaps Pocaliontas,— Who is married to Rolfe.— They visit England.— 
And leave descendants in Virginia.— Argall destroys the French settlements 
in Acadia.— Suhdnes ilie Dutch of Manhattan.— Dale becomes governor.— To- 
bacco is the staple of Jamestown.— Is used for money.— Argall is chosen gov- 
ernor.— Delaware sails for America.— And dies.— Yeardley supersedes Argall.— 
Abolishes martial law.— Establishes the House of Burgesses.— Slavery is intro- 
duced.— Society is low.— Women are sent over.— And married to the colonists.— 
A constitution is granted.— Wyatt becomes governor.— Settlements spread 
abroad.— The Indians become jealous.— And massacre the people.— But are de- 
feated.— The company is opposed by the king.— A commission is appointed.— 
And the company's charter is revoked.— But liberty is planted in Virginia. 



66 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XII. 
VIBGINIA.—THE ROYAL GOVERNMENT. 

A ROYAL government was now established in Virginia. The 
new administration consisted of a governor and twelve coun- 
cilors. The General Assembly of the colony was left undisturbed, 
and the rights of the colonists remained as before. Governor 
Wyatt was continued in office ; and in making up the new coun- 
cil, the king wisely selected the friends of the colony rather than 
the untried partisans of his court. The Virginians found in the 
change of government as much cause of gratitude as of grief. 

2. Charles I., the successor of King James, paid but little atten- 
tion to the affairs of his American colony. By and by the com- 
merce in tobacco attracted his notice, and he attempted to gain a 
monopoly of the trade, but the colonial authorities defeated the 
project. It is worthy of note that at this time the king recog- 
nized the Virginia assembly as a rightfully constituted body. The 
reply which was returned to his proposal was signed by the gov- 
ernor and council, and by thirty-one of the burgesses. 

3. In 1626 Governor Wyatt retired from office, and Yeardley, 
the old friend of the colonists, was reappointed. The young State 
was never more prosperous than under this administration, which 
was ended with the governor's death, in 1627. During the preced- 
ing summer a thousand new immigrants had come to swell the 
population of the province. 

4. The council of Virginia had a right, in case of an emergency, 
to elect a governor. In this manner Francis West was chosen by 
the councilors ; but as soon as the death of Yeardley was known in 
England, King Charles commissioned John Harvey to assume the 
government. He arrived in the autumn of 1629, and from this 
time until 1635, the colony was distracted with the presence of a 
most unpopular chief magistrate. He began his administration by 



VmOINIA.—THE ROYAL GOVERNMENT. 67 

taking the part oi certain land speculators against the people. 
Finally the assembly of 1635 passed a resolution that Sir John 
Harvey be thrust out of office, and Captain West be appointed in 
his place " until the king's pleasure may be known in this matter." 
But King Charles treated the whole affair with contempt. The 
commissioners appointed by the council of Virginia to conduct 
Harvey's impeachment were refused a hearing, and he was restored 
1:0 the governorship of the colony. He continued in power until 
the year 1639, when he was superseded by Wyatt, who ruled until 
the spring of 1642. 

5. About this time monarchy was abolished in England. Oliver 
Cromwell was made Lord Protector of the Commonwealth. By 
him the nation was ruled until 1658, when he was succeeded by 
his son Richard. But the latter became alarmed at the dangers 
around him, and resigned. Soon afterward, Charles II., exiled son 
of Charles I., was called home, and on the 18th of May, 1660, was 
restored to the throne of England. 

6. Virginia shared in some degree the distractions of the mother- 
country. In 1642 Sir William Berkeley became governor of the 
colony, and remained in office for ten years. His administration, 
notwithstanding the troubles abroad, was noted as a time of rapid 
growth and development. The laws were greatly improved. The 
old disputes about the lands w^ere satisfactorily settled. Cruel 
punishments w^ere abolished, and the taxes equalized. The general 
assembly w^as regularly convened, and Virginia became a free and 
prosperous State. In 1646 there were twenty thousand people in 
the colony. 

7. In March of 1643, a law was enacted by the assembly declar- 
ing that no person who disbelieved the doctrines of the English 
Church should be allowed to teach, or to preach the gospel, within 
the limits of Virginia. This act was the source of much bitterness 
among the people. The few Puritans in the colony were excluded 
from places of trust, and some were driven from their homes. 
Governor Berkeley w^as a leader in these persecutions, by which all 
friendly relations with New England were broken off for many 
years. 

8. Next came another war T^^h the Indians. Early in 1644, 



68 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the natives, believing that there still remained a hope of destroying 
the English, planned a general massacre. On the 18th of April, 
when the authorities were off their guard, the savages fell upon 
the frontier settlements, and before assistance could be brought 
murdered three hundred people. The warriors then fled, but were 
folloAved by the English and driven into the woods and swamps. - 
Opechancanough was captured, and died a prisoner. The tribes 
were punished without mercy, and were soon glad to buy a peace 
by the cession of large tracts of land. 

9. During the Commonwealth an ordinance was passed by Par- 
liament laying heavy restrictions on the commerce of such English 
colonies as refused to acknowledge the supremacy of Cromwell's 
government. Foreign ships were forbidden to enter the colonial 
harbors. In 1651 the Navigation Act was passed, and the trade 
of the colonies was still more seriously distressed. In this new 
law it was enacted that the foreign commerce of Virginia should 
be carried on wholly in English vessels, and directed exclusively 
to the ports of England. 

10. The Virginians opposed these measures, and Cromwell de- 
termined to compel obedience. A war- vessel with commissioners on 
board was sent into the Chesapeake. Negotiations were opened ; 
an offer of peace was made, and gladly accepted. The terms of 
the settlement were very favorable to popular liberty ; the com- 
mercial restrictions were removed, and the trade of the colony was 
made as free as that of England. English liberty was guaranteed 
to every citizen, and Virginia again grew prosperous. 

11. For a while the colonists conducted their government as they 
would. The important matter of choosing a governor was sub- 
mitted to the House of Burgesses ; when so great a power had 
been once exercised, it was not likely to be relinquished. Three 
governors were chosen in this way, and the privilege of electing soon 
became a right. The assembly even declared that such a right ex- 
isted, and that it should not be taken away. 

12. In 1660 Samuel Matthews, the last of the three elected gov- 
ernors, died. The Burgesses were convened and an ordinance 
passed declaring that the supreme authority of Virginia was in the 
colony, and would continue there until a delegate should arrive 



VIRGINIA.— THE ROYAL GOVERNMENT. 69 

from the British government. The house then elected as governor 
Sir William Berkeley, who acknowledged the right of the Bur- 
gesses to choose. The question .of recognizing Charles II. as king 
was debated at the same session, but not decided. Most of the 
people desired the Restoration, but prudence forbade an open ex- 
pression of such a preference. 

13. As soon as it was known in Virginia that Charles II. had 
become king, Governor Berkeley issued writs in the name of the 
king for the election of a new assembly. The adherents of the 
Commonwealth were thrust out of office, and royal favorites estab- 
lished in their places. The Virginians soon found that they had 
exchanged a republican tyrant with good principles for a mo- 
narchial tyrant with bad ones. The former commercial system was 
reenacted in a worse form than ever. The new law provided that 
all the colonial commerce should be carried on in English ships ; the 
trade of the colonies was burdened with a heavy tax, and tobacco, 
the staple of Virginia, could be sold nowhere but in England. 

14. King Charles, regarding the Biitish empire as personal prop- 
erty, soon began to reward the profligates who thronged his court, 
by granting them large tracts of land in Virginia. It was no 
uncommon thing for an American planter to find that his farm 
was given away to some flatterer of the royal household. Great 
distress was occasioned by these unjust grants, and finally, in 1673, 
the king get a limit to his own recklessness hy giving away the whole 
State. Lord Culpepper and the Earl of Arlington received a deed 
by which was granted to them for thirty-one years all the country 
called Virginia. 

15. The colonial legislation of these times was selfish and narrow- 
minded. The aristocratic party in the colony had obtained con- 
trol of the House of Burgesses, and the new laws were as bad as 
those of England. A statute was passed against the Baptists, 
and the peace-loving Quakers were fined and persecuted. Per- 
sonal property was heavily taxed, while the large estates were ex- 
empt. The salaries of the officers were secured by a duty on 
tobacco, and the biennial election of Burgesses was abolished. 

16. When the people were worn out with the governor's exac- 
tions, they availed themselves of a pretext to assert their rights 



70 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

by force of arms. A war with the Susquehanna Indians furnished 
the occasion for an insurrection. The tribes about the head of 
Chesapeake Bay had been attacked by the Senecas and driven 
from their homes. They, in turn, fell upon the English settlers 
of Maryland, and the banks of the Potomac became the scene 
of a border war. Virginia and Maryland made common cause. 
John Washington, great-grandfather of the first President, led a 
company of militia against the Indians, and compelled them to 
sue for peace. Six of their chieftains went into Virginia as am 
bassadors, and were foully murdered. This atrocity maddened the 
savages, and a devastating warfare raged along the whole frontier. 

17. Governor Berkeley sided with the Indians ; but the colonists 
remembered only the acts of treachery of which the Red men had 
been guilty, and thirsted for revenge. There was a division of 
opinion among the people ; the aristocratic jjarty took sides with 
the governor and favored a peace ; while the popular party, led 
by young Nathaniel Bacon, clamored for war. 

18. Five hundred men rushed to arms, and the march was 
begun into the enemy's country. Berkeley and the aristocratic 
faction were enraged, and proclaimed Bacon a traitor. Troops 
were levied to disj^erse the militia ; but scarcely had Berkeley and 
his forces left Jamestown when another popular uprising compelled 
him to return. Bacon came home victorious. The old assembly 
was broken up, and a new one elected on the basis of universal 
suffrage. Bacon was chosen a member, and made commander-in- 
chief of the Virginia army. The governor refused to sign his 
commission ; but Bacon appealed to the people, and Berkeley was 
compelled to yield. The governor was also obliged to sign a pa- 
per commending Bacon's loyalty, zeal, and patriotism. 

19 A military force was now stationed on the frontier, and 
peace returned to all the settlements. But Berkeley was proud 
and vengeful, and only awaited an opportunity to begin the strug- 
gle aneWo In a short time he repaired to the county of Glou- 
cester, where he summoned a convention of loyalists, and Bacon 
was again proclaimed a traitor. 

20. The governor's lorces weie collected on the eastern shore 
of the Chesapeake ', the crews of some English ships were joined 



VIRGINIA.— THE BOYAL GOVERNMENT. 71 

to his command, and the fleet set sail for Jamestown. The place 
was taken without much resistance; but when Bacon and the 
patriots drew near, the loyal forces went over to his standard. 
Berkeley was again obliged to fly, and the capital was held by 
the people's party. It was now rumored that an English fleet 
was approaching for the .subjugation of the colonies. The patriot 
leaders held a council, and it was decided that Jamestown should 
be burned. Accordingly, in the dusk of the evening the torch Avas 
applied, and the only town in Virginia was laid in ashes. 

21. In this juncture of affairs Bacon fell sick and died. The 
patriot party, discouraged by the loss of their leader, was easily dis- 
persed. A few feeble ^flbrts were made to revive the cause of the 
people, but the animating spirit was gone. The royalists found 
an able captain in Eobert Beverly, and the authority of the gov- 
ernor was rapidly restored. The cause of the people and the 
leader of the people had died together. 

22. Berkeley's vindictive passions were now let loose upon the 
defeated insurgents. Twenty-two of the leading patriots were 
seized and hanged with scarcely time to bid their friends farewell. 
Thus died Thomas Hansford, the first American who gave his life 
for freedom. Thus perished Edmund Cheesman, Thomas Wilford, 
and William Drummond, martyrs to liberty. Nor is it certain 
when the executions would have ended had not the assembly met 
and passed an act that no more blood should be spilt for past 
offences. AVhen Charles 11. heard of Berkeley's ferocity, he ex- 
claimed, "The old fool has taken away more lives in that poor 
country than I for the murder of my father." 

23. The consequences of the rebellion were very disastrous. 
Berkeley and the aristocratic party had now a good excuse for 
suppressing all liberal principles. The printing-press was inter- 
dicted. Education was forbidden. To speak or to write any thing 
against the administration or in defence of the late insurrection, 
was made a crime to be punished by fine or whipping. If the 
oflfence should be three times repeated, it was declared to be trea- 
son punishable with death. The former methods of taxation were 
revived, and Virginia was left at the mercy of arbitrary rulers. 

24» lu 1675 Lord Culpepper, to whom with Arlington the 



72 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

province had been granted, obtained the ajipointment of governor 
for life. The right of the king was thus rehnquished, and Vir- 
ginia became a proprietary government. The new magistrate 
arrived in 1680 and assumed the duties of his office. His ad- 
ministration was characterized by avarice and dishonesty. Re- 
garding Virginia as his personal estate, he treated the Virginians 
as his tenants and slaves. 

25. In 1683, Arlington surrendered his claim to Culpepper, who 
thus became sole proprietor as well as governor; but before he 
could proceed to further mischief, his career was cut short by the 
king. Charles II. found in Culpepper's vices and frauds a sufficient 
excuse to remove him from office and to revoke his patent. In 
1684, Virginia again became a royal province, under the govern- 
ment of Lord Howard, of Effingham, who continued in office until 
near the close of the century. The affiiirs of the colony during the 
next fifty years are not of sufficient interest and importance to re- 
quire extended notice. When the French and Indian War shall 
come, Virginia will show to the world that the labors of Smith and 
Gosnold and Bacon were not in vain. 



Royal government is established.— The administration is vmehanged.— Cliarles 
1.' becomes king.— Recognizes the Virginia Assembly.— Yeardley is re-elected 
governor.— Dies.— West is chosen by the council.— Harvey arrives from Eng- 
land.— Land-grants vex the people.— Harvey is impeached.— But is sustained 
by the king.— Wyatt succeeds.— Monarchy is abolished in England.— Cromwell 
becomes Protector.— Berkeley becomes governor.— The Puritans are perse- 
cuted.— An Indian war arises.— The savages are beaten.— Cromwell restricts the 
commerce of Virginia.— Sends a fleet to America.— And the Virginians sub- 
mit.— Favorable terms are granted.— Peace continues during the common- 
wealth.— The Burgesses elect three governors.— Berkeley is thus chosen.— At 
the Restoration issues writs in the king's name.— Tyranny follows.— Com- 
merce is restricted.— The Virginians complain.— Charles II. gives away Virginia 
lands.— And finally the whole State to Arlington and Culpepper.— The Qua- 
kers and the Baptists are persecuted.— Taxes are odious.— The people rebel.— 
An Indian war is the excuse.— Bacon heads the insurrection.— The Indians are 
punished.— Berkeley flees.— Returns.— Captures Jamestown.— Bacon takes the 
place, and burns it.— Dies.— The patriots are dispersed.— And the leaders 
hanged.— A despotism is established.— Culpepper becomes governor.— Treats 
Virginia as an estate.— Arlington surrenders his claim.— The king recalls the 
grant.— And Virginia becomes a royal province.— Howard administers the gov- 
ernment. 



3IASSACH USETTS.— SETTLEMENT. 73 



CHAPTER XIII. 
MASSACHUSETTS.— SETTLEMENT 

THE spring of 1621 brought hope to the Pilgrims of New Ply- 
mouth. The returning sun was welcome. The winter had 
swept off half of the number. The son of the noble Carver was 
among the first victims. The governor himself sickened and died, 
and his wife found rest in the same grave with him. Now, with 
the approach of warm weather, the pestilence was checked, and 
the survivors revived with the season. Out of the snows of winter 
and the terrors of death the Puritans came forth triumphant. 

"Z, In February, Miles Standish was sent out with his soldiers 
to gather information concerning the natives. The army of New 
England consisted of six men besides the general. Deserted wig- 
wams were found ; the smoke of camp-fires arose in the distance ; 
savages were occasionally seen in the forest. These fled at the 
approach of the English, and Standish returned to Plymouth. 

3. A month later a Wampanoag Indian, named Samoset, ran 
into the village and bade the strangers welcome. He gave an 
account of the neighboring tribes, and told of a great plague by 
which the country had been swept of its inhabitants. The present 
feebleness and desolation of the natives had resulted from the 
malady. Another Indian, called Squanto, who had been carried 
away in 1614, and had learned to speak English, came to Ply- 
mouth, and confirmed what Samoset had said. 

4. By the influence of these two natives, friendly relations were 
established with the AVampanoags. Massasoit, the sachem of the 
nation, was invited to visit Plymouth. The Pilgrims received him 
with much ceremony. Standish ordered out his soldiers, and 
Scfuanto acted as interpreter. Then and there was ratified the 
first tT'paty made in New England. The terms were few and 



74 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

simple. There should be peace between the whites and the Red 
men. No injury should be done by either party to the other. 
All offenders should be given up to be punished. If the English 
engaged in war, Massasoit should help them; if the Wampa- 
noags were attacked unju«tly, tlie English should give them aid. 




THE TREATY BETWEEN GOVERNOI! CAKVFH AND MASSASOIT. 

5. This treaty remained inviolate for fifty years. Other chiefs 
followed the example of Massasoit. Nine of the tribes acknowl- 
edged the English king. One chieftain threatened war, but Stan- 
dish's army obliged him to beg for mercy. Canon icus, king of the 
Narragansetts, sent to William Bradford, who succeeded Governor 
Carver, a bundle of arrows wrapped in the skin of a rattlesnake ; 
but the governor stuffed the skin with powder and balls and sent 
it back to the chief, who did not dare to accept the challenge. 
The hostile emblem was borne about from tribe to tribe, until 
finally it was returned to Plymouth. 

6. The summer was unfruitful, and the Pilgrims were brought to 
the point of starvation. New immigrants, without provisions or 



MASSACHUSETTS.^SETTLEMENT. 75 

stores, arrived, and were quartered on the colonists during the 
winter. For six months the settlers were obliged to subsist on 
half allow^ance. At one time only a few grains of corn remained 
to be distributed, and at another there was absolute want. Then 
some English fishing-vessels came to Plymouth and charged the 
colonists two prices for food enough to keep theni alive. 

7. The new immigrants remained at Plymouth until the summer 
of 1622, then removed to the south side of Boston harbor and 
founded Weymouth. There they wasted the fall in idleness, and 
attempted to keep up their stock of provisions by defrauding the 
Indians. Thus provoked, the natives planned to destroy the 
colony ; but Massasoit went to Plymouth and revealed the plot. 
Standish marched to Weymouth with his eight men, killed several 
warriors, and carried home the chief's head on a pole. The tender- 
hearted John Robinson wrote from Leyden : "I would that you 
had converted some of them before you killed any." 

8, The summer of 1623 brought a plentiful harvest to the people 
of the colony, and there was no longer any danger of starvation. 
The natives became dependent on the settlement for corn, and 
brought in an abundance of game. At the end of the fourth year, 
there were a hundred and eighty j)ersons in New England. The 
managers, who had expended thirty-four thousand dollars on the 
enterprise, were discouraged, and proposed to sell out their claims 
to the colonists. The offer was accepted ; and in November of 
1627, eight of the leading men of Plymouth purchased from the 
Londoners their entire interest for nine thousand dollars. 

9, Before this transfer, the colony had been much vexed by the 
attempt to set over them a minister of the English Church. To 
avoid this very thing they had come to the New World. There 
was dissension for a while. The English managers withheld suj> 
port; the stores of the colonists were sold to them at three prices; 
and they were obliged to borrow money at sixty per cent. But 
the Pilgrims would not yield, and the conflict ended with the 
purchase of the proprietors' rights in the colony. 

10. In 1624 a settlement was made at Cape Ann. John White, 
of Dorcester, England, collected the emigrants and sent them to 
America. The colony was established, but after two years the 



76 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



cape was abandoned ; the company moved farther south and 
founded Salem. In 1628 a second colony arrived in charge of 
John Endicott, who was chosen governor. In 1629, Charles I. 
issued a charter by which the colonists were incorporated under the 
name of The Governor and Company of Massachusetts Bay 
IN New England. In July two hundred immigrants arrived, half 
of whom settled at Plymouth, while the other half removed to the 

north side of Boston 
harbor and founded 
Charlestown. 

11. In Septem- 
ber, 1629, it was 
decreed that the 
government of the 
colony should be 
transferred from 
England to Amer- 
ica, and that the 
charter should be 
entrusted to the 
colonists them- 
selves. As soon as 
this action was 
known, emigration 
began on an exten- 
sive scale. In the 
year 1630 about 
three hundred of the 
best Puritan fam- 
ilies came to New England. They were virtuous, well-educated, 
courageous men and women, who left comfortable homes with no 
expectation of returning. It was their good fortune to choose a 
noble leader. 

12. The name of John Winthrop, governor of Massachusetts, is 
worthy of lasting remembrance. Born a royalist, he cherished 
the principles of republicanism. Surrounded with affluence and 
comfort, he left all to share the destiny of the Pilgrims. Calm, 




JOHN WINTHROP. 



MASS A CHUSETTS.— SETTLEMENT. 77 

priident, and peaceful, he joined the zeal of an entliusinst with 
the faith of a martyr. 

13. A part of the new immigrants settled at Salem; others at 
Cambridge and Watertown, on Charles River ; while others founded 
Roxbury and Dorchester. The governor resided for a while at 
Charlestown, but soon crossed over to the peninsula of Shawmut 
and founded Boston, which became henceforth the capital of the 
colony. With the approach of winter sickness came, and the dis- 
tress was great. The new comers were tender people who could 
not endure the blasts of Massachusetts Bay. Coarse and scanty 
fare added to the griefs of disease. Sleet and snow drifted in 
where feeble men and frail women moaned out their lives. Before 
mid-winter two hundred had died; but there w^as heard neither 
murmur nor repining. 

14. In 1631, a law was passed restricting the right of suffrage. 
It was enacted that none but church members should be permitted 
to vote at the elections. Nearly three-fourths of the people were 
thus excluded from exercising the rights of freemen. Taxes were 
levied for the support of the gospel ; attendance on public worship 
was enforced by law; none but members of the church were 
eligible to office. The very men who had so recently escaped with 
only their lives to find religious freedom in another continent, 
began their career in the New World with intolerance. 

15. Young Roger Williams, minister of Salem, cried out 
against the proscriptive law. He declared to his people that the 
conscience of man is not bound by the authority of the magistrate, 
and that civil government has only to do with civil matters. For 
this he was obliged to quit the ministry of the church at Salem 
and retire to Plymouth. Finally, in 1634, he wrote a paper in 
which he declared that grants of land, though given by the king 
of England, were invalid until the natives Avere justly paid. When 
arraigned for these teachings, he told the court that a test of 
church-membership in a voter was as ridiculous as the selection of 
a doctor on account of his skill in theology. 

16. After a trial, Williams was^ condemned for heresy and ban- 
ished. In mid-winter he left home and became an exile in the 
forest. For fourteen weeks he wandered through the snow, sleep- 



78 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



iiig on the ground or in a hollow tree, living on parched corn and 
acorns. He carried with him a private letter from the good Gov- 
ernor Winthrop, and the Indians showed him kindness. Massasoit 
invited him to his cabin, and Canonicns, king of the Narragan- 
setts, received him as a brother. On the left bank of the Black- 




ROGER WILLIAMS RECEPTION BY THE INDIANS. 



stone a resting-place was found ; and with the opening of spring 
the exile planted a field and built a house. Soon he learned that 
Plymouth colony claimed that place, and another removal becam i 
necessary. With five companions, he embarked in a canoe 'and 
came to the west side of the bay. Here he was safe. A tract 
of land was purchased from Canonicus ; and in June of 1636, the 
founder of Ehode Island laid out the city of Provedence. 

17. In 1634 a representative form of government was estab- 
lished in Massachusetts. On election-day the voters were called 
together, and the learned Cotton preached long against the pro- 
posed change. The asseml)ly listened attentively, and then ivent 
on unth the election. To make the reform complete, a bali-ot-B'^>x 



MASSACHUSETTS.— SETTLEMENT. 79 

was substituted for the old method of public voting. The restric- 
tion on the right of suffrage was the only remaining bar to free 
government in New England. 

18. During the next year three thousand new immigrants ar- 
rived. It was worth while to come to a country where the princi- 
ples of freedom were recognized. The new-comers were under the 
leadership of Hugh Peters and Sir Henry Vane. Such was the 
popularity of the latter, that in less than a year after his arrival 
he was chosen governor of the colony. 

19. New settlements were now formed at a distance from the 
bay. One company of twelve families, led by Simon Willard and 
Peter Bulkeley, marched through the woods to some open meadows 
sixteen miles from Boston, and there founded Concord. Later in 
the same year, another colony of sixty persons left the older 
settlements and pressed their way westward to the Connecticut 
River. A dreadful winter overtook them in their new homes. 
Some died; others waded back through the dreary snows and 
came half-starved to Boston ; but the rest outbraved the winter. 
Spring brought relief, and the pioneers, creeping out of their huts, 
became the founders of Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield. 

20. The banishment of Roger Williams created strife among 
the people of Massachusetts. The ministers were stern and exact- 
ing. Still, the advocates of free opinion multiplied. The clergy, 
notwithstanding their great influence, felt insecure. Religious 
debates became the order of the day. Every sermon was reviewed 
and criticised. 

21. Prominent among those who were accused of heresy was 
Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, a woman of genius, who had come over in 
the ship with Sir Henry Vane. She desired the privilege of speak- 
ing at the weekly debates, and was refused. Indignant at this, 
she became the champion of her sex, and declared that the min- 
isters were no better than Pharisees. She called meetings of her 
friends, and pleaded with fervor for the freedom of conscience. 
The doctrines of Williams were reaffirmed with more power and 
eloquence than ever. Many of the magistrates favored the new 
beliefs; and the governor himself espoused the cause of Mrs. 
Hutchinson, 



80 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




MAP OF EARLY SETTLEMENTS IN NEW ENGLAND. 



22, When Sir Henry's term of office expired a meeting of the 
synod of New England was called. The body convened in Au- 
gust of 1637, and Mrs. Hutchinson and her friends were banished 
from Massachusetts, A large number of the exiles wended their 
way toward the home of Roger Williams. Miantonomoh, a Nar- 
ragansett chieftain, made them a gift of the island of Rhode 
Island; there, in 1641, a little republic Avas established, in which 
persecution, for opinion's sake, was forbidden. 

23. In 1636 the general court of the colony passed an act ap- 
propriating between one and two thousand dollars to found a 
college. The measure met with favor, for the Puritans were 
quick to appreciate the advantages of learning. Newtown was 
selected as the site of the })roposed school. Plymouth and Salem 
gave gifts to helj^ the entcrj^rise; and from villages in the Con- 
necticut valley came c()ntril)utions of corn and wampum. In 
1638, John Harvard, a minister of Charlestown, died, bequeath- 



MASSA CHUSETTS.— SETTLEMENT. 81 

ing his library and nearly five thousand dollars to the school. 
To perpetuate his memory the new institution was named 
Harvard College, and the name of Newtown was changed to 
Cambridge. 

24. The PRINTING-PRESS came also. In 1638 Stephen Daye, an 
English printer, arrived at Boston, and in the following year set 
up a press at Cambridge. The first American publication was an 
almanac for New England, bearing date of 1639. During the nex'. 
year, Thomas Welde and John Eliot, two ministers of Roxbury, 
and Richard Mather, of Dorcester, translated the Hebrew Psalms 
into English verse. This was the first book printed in America. 

25. Charles I. and his ministers now took measures to check 
the growth of the Puritan colonies. The first plan which sug- 
gested itself was to stop emigration. In 1638 a squadron of eight 
vessels, ready to sail from London, was detained by the royal 
authority. Many of the most prominent Puritans in England were 
on board of these ships. It has been asserted that John Hampden 
and Oliver Cromwell w^ere turned back by this detention. By this 
course King Charles hastened the English Revolution, and brought 
about his own downfall. 



The Pilgrims are saved by tlie coming of spring.— Htandisli reconnoitres.- 
Samoset and fSquanlo at Plymouth.— A treaty is made witli Massasoit.— Otlier 
tribes aclinowledge tlie king.— Canonieus is overawed.— An unfruitful svimmer. 
-New immigrants are quartered on the colony.— The Pilgrims are destitute.— 
Weymouth founded.— Standish punishes the Indians.— Weymouth is aban- 
doned.— A plentiful harvest.— Robinson remains at Leyden.— The colonial enter- 
prise unprofitable.-The managers sell out.— The English Church is favored.— 
Salem is founded.— The Company of Massachusetts Bay is chartered.— Boston is 
founded.— The government is transferred to America.— The large immigration. 
— Winthrop is governor.— Cambridge is founded.— Watertown.— Roxbury.— 
Dorchester.— The colony suffers.— Suffrage is restricted.— Williams protests.— 
And is banished.— Goes among the Indians.— Tarries at Seekonk.— Founds 
Providence.— A representative government is established.— The ballot-box is 
introduced.— Three thousand immigrants arrive.— Vane and Peters are the 
leaders.— Concord is founded.— Colonies remove to the Connecticut.— Religious 
controversies.— Mrs. Hutchinson is banished.— She and her friends establish a 
republic on Rhode Island.— Harvard College is founded.— A printing-press is set 
up.— Eliot, Welde and Mather translate the Psalms.— Liberty flourishes.- 
Emigration is hindered. 



82 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 



CHAPTER XIV. 
MASSACHUSETTS.— THE UNION. 

NEW ENGLAND was fast becoming a nation. Wellnigh fifty 
villages dotted the face of the country. Enterprises of all 
kinds were rife. Manufactures, commerce and the arts were in- 
troduced. William Stephens, a shipbuilder of Boston, had already 
built and launched an American vessel of four hundred tons' 
burden. Twenty-one thousand two hundred people had found 
a home between Plymouth Rock and the Connecticut. 

2. Circumstances suggested a union of the colonies. The western 
frontier was exposed to the hostilities of the Dutch on the Hudson. 
Similar trouble was apprehended from the French on the north. 
Indian tribes capable of mustering a thousand warriors were likely 
at any hour to fall upon the helpless villages. The prevalence of 
common interests made a union of some sort indispensable. 

3. The first effort to consolidate the colonies was ineflfectual. 
But in 1643, a plan of union was adopted, by w^hich Massachusetts, 
Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven were joined in a con- 
federacy, called The United Colonies of New England. The 
chief authority was conferred upon an assembly composed of two 
representatives from each colony. These delegates were chosen 
annually at an election where all the freemen voted by ballot. 
There was no president other than the speaker of the assembly. 
Provision was made for the admission of other colonies into the 
union, but none were ever admitted. 

4. At a meeting of the assembly in December, 1641, Nathaniel 
Ward brought forward a written instrument, which Avas adopted as 
the constitution of the State. This statute was called the Body 
OF Liberties, and was ever afterward esteemed as the great 
charter of colonial freedom. In 1644 it was decreed that the 



MASSACHUSETTS.— THE UNION. 83 

councilors and the representatives of the people should sit apart, 
each with their own officers and under their own management. 
By this measure the legislature was made independent and of 
equal authority with the governor's council. 

5. During the supremacy of the Long Parliament in England 
several acts were passed which endangered the interests of Massa- 
chusetts, but powerful friends, especially Sir Henry Vane, stood up 
in Parliament and defended the colony against her enemies. After 
the abolition of monarchy, an English statute was made which 
threatened the complete overthrow of the new State. Massachu- 
setts was invited to surrender her charter, and to hold her courts 
m the name of Parliament, But the people of New England were 
too cautious to accept the proposition. Cromwell did not insist on 
the measure, and Massachusetts retained her charter. 

6. The Protector was the friend of the American colonies. The 
people of New England were his special favorites. For more than 
ten years lie continued their benefactor. During his administra- 
tion Massachusetts was left in the full enjoyment of her coveted 
rights ; and the people were as free as those of England. 

7. In 1652 it was decreed by the general court at Boston that 
the jurisdiction of the province extended as far as three miles 
north of the source of the Merrimac. By this measure the terri- 
tory of Massachusetts was extended to Casco Bay. Settlements 
had been made on the Piscataqua in 1626, but had not flourished. 
In 1639 a charter was issued to Sir Ferdinand Gorges, who became 
proprietor of the province. His cousin, Thomas Gorges, was made 
deputy-governor. A constitution, big enough for an empire, was 
drawn up, and the village of York became the capital. Meanwhile 
the Plymouth Council had granted to another corporation sixteen 
hundred square miles of the territory around Casco Bay, and this 
claim had been purchased by Rigby, a member of Parliament. 
Between him and Gorges disputes arose; the villagers of Maine 
appealed to the court at Boston to settle the difficulty, and the 
province Avas annexed to Massachusetts. 

8. In July of 1656, the Quakers began to arrive at Boston. 
The first who came were Ann Austin and Mary Fisher. They 
were caught and searched for marks of witchcraft, and then thrown 



84 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

into prison. After several weeks' confinement they were brought 
forth and banished. Before the end of the year eight others were 
arrested and sent back to England. A law was passed that Quakers 
who persisted in coming to Massachusetts should have their ears cut 
off and their tongues bored through with a red-hot iron. 

9. In 1657 Ann Burden, who had come from London to preach 
against persecution, was seized and beaten. Others were whipjied 
and exiled. The assembly of the four colonies convened, and the 
penalty of death was passed against the Quakers as disturbers of 
the public peace. 

10. In 1659 four persons were arrested and brought to trial. 
They were given the option of going into exile or of being hanged. 
Mary Dyar and Nicholas Davis chose banishment; but Marmaduke 
Stephenson and William Robinson stood firm and were sentenced 
to death. Mary Dyar returned from her exile and was also con- 
demned. The men were hanged without mercy ; and the woman 
was banished. But she returned a second time and was executed. 
William Leddra was next tried, condemned, and hanged. 

11. Before the trial of Leddra was concluded, Wenlock Christi- 
son rushed into the court-room and upbraided the judges for shed- 
ding innocent blood. He spoke boldly in his own defence ; but 
the jury brought in a verdict of guilty, and he was condemned. 
Others, eager for martyrdom, came forward, and the jails were 
filled with prisoners. But before the day arrived for Christison's 
execution, the public conscience was aroused ; the law was repealed, 
and Christison, with twenty-seven others, wa6 liberated. 

12. The English Revolution had now run its course. Cromwell 
was dead. Tidings of the restoration of Charles II. reached Boston 
on the 27th of July, 1660. In the same vessel that bore the news 
came Edward Whalley and William Goffe, two of the judges who 
had passed sentence of death on Charles I. Governor Endicott 
received them with courtesy. British agents came in hot pursuit 
to arrest them. For a while the fugitives baffled the cfRcers, then 
escaped to New Haven, and at last found refuge at the village of 
Hadley, where they passed the rest of their lives. 

13. On the restoration of the English, monarchy, a law was 
passed by which all vessels not bearing the English flag were for- 



MASSACHUSETTS.— THE UNION. 85 

bidden to trade in New England. Articles produced in the col- 
onies and demanded in England should be shipped to England only. 
Other articles might be sold in any of the ports of Europe. The 
products of England should not be manufactured in America, and 
should be bought from England only ; and a duty of five per cent 
was put on both exports and imports. This was the beginning of 
those measures Avhich produced the American Revolution. 

14. In 1664 war broke out between England and Holland. It 
became a part of the English plans to conquer the Dutch settle- 
ments on the Hudson. Charles II. was also anxious to obtain con- 
trol of all the New England colonies; and with this end in view, 
four commissioners were appointed to go to America to settle 
colonial disputes, and to exercise authority in the name of the 
king. The real object was to get possession of the charter of 
Massachusetts. In July, 1664, the royal judges arrived at Boston. 

15. They were not wanted at Boston. The people of Massachu- 
setts knew that this supreme judgeship was dangerous to their 
right of self-government. The colonial charter was accordingly 
put into the hands of a committee for safe keeping. The general 
court forbade the citizens to answer any summons issued by the 
royal judges. A letter, full of manly protests, was sent to the 
king. The commissioners were rejected in all the colonies except 
Rhode Island. Meanwhile, the English monarch, learning how his 
judges had been received, recalled them, and they left the country. 
For ten years after this event, the colony was very prosperous. 



Progress of New England. -Circumstances favor a union.— Massachusetts, 
Plynioutli, Connecticut and New Haven are confederated.— Otlier colonies not 
admitted.— A Body of Liberties is formed.— The two legislative branches are 
separated.— The English Revokition is favorable to New England.— Vane de- 
fends the colonies.— Parliament demands the charter of Massachusetts.— Crom- 
well the friend of Massachusetts.— Maine is annexed.— Early settlements in 
Maine.— The Q^uakers arrive at Boston.— Are persecuted and banished.— The 
death penalty against them.— Four persons are executed.— The law is repealed. 
—News of tlie restoration reaches Boston.— Whalley and Gofle arrive.— And 
escape to Connecticut.— The Navigation Act is passed.— War between England 
and Holland.— Charles II. attempts to subvert the charter.— Commissioners are 
sent to Massachusetts.— Are defeated in their objects.— The colony prospers. 



86 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XV. 
MASSACHUSETTS.— KING PHILIPS WAR. 

rilHE old king Massasoit died in 1662. His son, Alexander, now 
-L became chief of the nation, but died within the year ; and 
the chieftainship descended to the younger brother, Philip of 
Mount Hope. It was the fkte of this brave man to lead his 
people in a final struggle against the whites. Causes of war 
already existed, and the time had come for the conflict. 

2. The natives of New England had sold their lands. The 
English were the purchasers; the chiefs had signed the deeds; the 
price had been fairly paid. The old men died, but the deeds 
remained, and the lands could not be recovered. There were at 
this time in the country east of the Hudson about twenty-five thou- 
sand Indians and fifty thousand English. The young warriors 
could not understand the validity of land-titles. They sighed for 
the freedom of their fathers' hunting-grounds. The ring of English 
axes had scared the game out of the forest, and English nets had 
scooped the fishes from the rivers. The Wampanoags had nothing 
left but the peninsulas of Bristol and Tiverton. 

3. There were personal grievances also. King Alexander had 
been arrested, tried by an English jury, and imprisoned. He had 
caught his death -fever in a Boston jail. Perhaps King Philip, if 
left to himself, would have still sought peace. He was not a rash 
man ; and he clearly foresaw the result of a war with the whites. 
But the young men of the tribe were thirsting for revenge, and 
could no longer be restrained. The women and children were put 
under the protection of Canonchet, king of the Narragansetts. On 
the 24th of June, 1675, the village of Swanzey was attacked, and 
eight Englishmen were killed. 

4:. AVithin a w^eek the militia of Plymouth, joined by volunteers 



MASSACHUSETTS.— KING PHILIPS WAR. 



87 






from Boston, entered the enemy's country. A few Indians were 
overtaken and killed. The troops marched into the peninsula of 
Bristol and compelled Philip to fly for his life. With five or six 
hundred fugitives he escaped to Tiverton, on the eastern side of 
the bay. Here they were at- ■ 

•^ "^ Mil i-s 10 -M »<» 40 50 CO 

tacked, but lying concealed 
in a swamp, they beat back 
the English with consider- 
able loss. The place was 
then surrounded and be- 
sieged for two weeks; but 
Philip and his men managed 
to escape in the night and 
fled to the country of the 
Nipmucks, in Central Mas- 
sachusetts. A general In- 
dian war broke out. The 
hatred of the savages was 
easily kindled into hostility. 
For a whole year the settle- ^'«^''' ^^'^^'*^ "^ '^^^^ phiup's war. 

ments on the frontier became a scene of burning and massacre. 

5. After Philip's flight, the English forces marched against the 
Narragansetts. By them the women and children of the Wam- 
panoags had been received and sheltered. King Canonchet was 
given his choice of peace or war. Afraid of English muskets, he 
signed a treaty, agreeing to deliver up all fugitives from the hostile 
tribe. Still, it was expected that the Narragansetts would break 
their pledges and join Philip. 

6. Philip soon persuaded the Nipmucks to take up arms. As 
usual with savages, hostilities were begun with treachery. Cap- 
tains Wheeler and Hutchinson were sent wdth twenty men to 
Brookfield to hold a conference with the Nipmuck chiefs. Near 
the village the Indians laid an ambush, surrounded the English, 
and killed nearly the whole company. A few survivors escaping 
to the settlements, gave the alarm, and the people fled to their 
block-house in time to save their lives. 

7. After a siege of two days, the savages succeeded in firing the 




88 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




house with burning arrows, and the destruction of all seemed cer- 
tain. But a shower of rain poured down, and the flames were 
extinguished. Reinforcements came from Springfield, and the 
Indians fled. The people of Brookheld now sought refuge in the 
towns along the river. On the 26th of 
August, a battle was fought at Deerfield. 
The whites were successful ; but a few days 
afterward the savages fired the village, and 
the greater part of it was burned. A store- 
house containing the harvests was saved, and 
Captain Lathro]), with eighty men, under- 
took the task of removing the stores to Had- 
ley. A train of wagons, guarded by the 
soldiers, left Deerfield on the 18th of Sep- 
tember, and proceeded five miles, when they 
were surrounded by eight hundred Indians 
who lay in ambush at the ford of Bloody 
Brook. The whites fought desperately, and 
were killed almost to a man. Meanwhile, 
Captain Mosely arrived with seventy militia 
and the battle continued, the English retreating until they were 
reinforced by a hundred and sixty English and Mohegaus. The 
savages were then beaten back with heavy losses. 

8. On the day of the burning of Deerfield, Hadley was attacked 
while the people were at church. The savages had already begun 
their work of butchery, when the gray -haired General Goffe 
rushed forth from his place of concealment, rallied the peoj^le, 
and saved them from destruction. After the Indians had been 
driven into the woods, the veteran went ])ack to his covert and was 
seen no more. During the autumn there was fighting at Spring- 
field, Hadley, and Hatfield. At the latter place the Indians were 
repulsed with heavy losses. The distant farms and settlements 
were abandoned, and the people sought shelter in the larger towns 
near the river. 

9. Philip now gathered his warriors and repaired to the Narra- 
gansetts. By receiving them, Canon diet violated his treaty with 
the English, but he chose to share the fiite of Philip. Massachu- 



RECOND SCENE OF 
KING PHILIP'S WAR. 



MASSACHUSETTS.— KING PHILIPS WAR. 



89 




THIRD SCENK OF KINU PHILIP S WAR 



setts immediately declared war against the Narragansetts, and 
Rhode Island was invaded by a thousand men led by Colonel 
Winslow. The manner of defence adopted by the savages favored 
their destruction at one blow. In the middle of a cedar swamp, 
^ ^ near Kingston, the Wam- 

panoags and Narragansetts 
collected to the number of 
three thousand. Into this 
place was gathered the 
whole wealth of the two 
nations. The w i g w a m s 
extended over several acres 
of land that rose out of the 
swamp. A fort was built 
on the island, and fortified 
with 9, breastwork of felled 
trees. Here the savages believed themselves secure from assault. 

10. The English forces reached the fort on the 19th of December. 
The only entrance to the camp was over a fallen tree. A few 
brave men sprang forward^ but were swept off by the fire of the 
Indians. Another company crept around the defences, and, find- 
ing a point unguarded, charged into the inclosure. The work of 
death now began in earnest. The wigwams were set on fire, and 
the flames swept around the village. The Indians, attempting to 
escape from the burning fort, were met by the English with loaded 
muskets. More than a thousand warriors were killed or captured. 
The wounded, the old men, the women and children of the nation, 
were burned to death. Eighty English soldiers were killed and a 
hundred and fifty wounded. 

11. A few of the savages, led by Philip, escaped to the Nip- 
mucks. In the following spring the war was renewed. Around 
three hundred miles of frontier, from Maine to the mouth of the 
Connecticut, there was massacre and devastation. Lancaster, 
Medfield, Groton, and Marlborough were laid in ashes. Wey- 
mouth, within twenty miles of Boston, met the same fate. Every- 
where were the traces of burning and murder. 

12. But the resources of the savages were soon wasted, and their 



90 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 

numbers grew daily less. In April, Canoncliet was captured on 
the banks of the Blackstone. Refusing to make a treaty, the 
haughty chieftain was put to death. Philip's company had dwin- 
dled to a handful. His wife and son were made prisoners; the 
latter was sold as a slave, and ended his life in the Bermudas. 
The savage monarch cared no longer to live. A company of sol- 
diers surrounded him near his old home at Mount Hope. A 
treacherous Indian took a deadly aim at the breast of his chieftain. 
The report of a musket rang through the woods, and the king of 
the Wampanoags sprang forward and fell dead. 

13. New England suffered terribly in this war. The losses of 
the war amounted to five hundred thousand dollars. Thirteen 
towns and six hundred dwellings lay in ashes. Six hundred men 
had fallen in the field. Gray-haired sire, mother and babe had 
sunk together under the blow of the Red man's tomahawk. Now 
there was peace again. The Indian race was swept out of New 
England. The tribes beyond the Connecticut came and pleaded 
for their lives. The colonists returned to their farms and villages 
to build new homes in the ashes of old ruins. 

14. It was hoped that the English government would help to 
repair the losses which the colonists had sustained ; but not so. 
Instead of help came Edward Randolph with authority from the 
king to collect duties in New England Governor Leverett re- 
ceived him coldly, and told him that the people had finished the 
Indian war without expense to the English treasury, and that they 
were now entitled to the enjoyment of their rights. And so Ran- 
dolph sailed back to London. 

15. The next trouble was concerning the province of Maine. Sir 
Ferdinand Gorges, the old proprietor, was now dead ; but his heirs 
still claimed the territory. The people of Maine had put them- 
selves under the authority of Massachusetts; but the heirs of 
Gorges carried the matter before the English council, and in 1677 
a decision was given in their favor. The Boston government then 
made a proposition to the Gorges family to purchase their claims ; 
the proposition was accepted, and for the sum of twelve hundred 
and fifty pounds the province was transferred to Massachusetts. 

16» A similar difficulty arose in regard to New Hampshire. As 



MASSACHUSETTS.— KING PHILIPS WAR. 91 

early as 1622 the Plymouth council had granted this territory to 
Ferdinand Gorges and Captain John Mason. Seven years after- 
ward Gorges surrendered his claim to Mason, who thus became sole 
proprietor. But this territory was also covered by the charter of 
Massachusetts. Mason died ; and in 1679 his son Robert came 
forward and claimed the province. This cause was also taken 
before the ministers, who decided that the title of the younger 
Mason was valid. To the great disappointment of the people of 
both 2>rovinces, the two governments were separated. A royal 
government, the first in New England, was now established over 
New Hampshire, and Edward Cranfield became governor. 

17. But the people refused to recognize Cranfield's authority. 
The king attributed this conduct to the influence of Massachusetts, 
and directed his judges to make an inquiry as to whether Massa- 
chusetts had not forfeited her charter. In 1684, the royal court 
gave a decision in accordance with the monarch's wishes. The 
patent was forfeited, said the judges; and the king might assume 
control of the colony. But before the charter could be revoked, 
Charles 11. fell sick and died. 

18. The new king, James II., adopted his brother's policy, and 
in 1686, the scheme so long entertained was carried out. The 
charter of Massachusetts was formally revoked ; all the colonies 
between Nova Scotia and Narragansett Bay were consolidated, and 
Sir Edmund Andros was appointed royal- governor of New England. 
King James could hardly have found a tool better fitted to do his 
will. It was enacted that nothing might be printed in Massachu- 
setts without the governor's sanction. Popular representation was 
abolished. Voting by ballot was prohibited. Town meetings were 
forbidden. The public schools were allowed to go to ruin. 

19. The despotism of Andros was quickly extended from Cape 
Cod Bay to the Piscataqua. The civil rights of New Hampshire 
were overthrown. In May of 1686 the charter of Rhode Island 
was taken away and her constitution subverted. The seal was 
broken, and a royal council appointed to conduct the government. 
Andros next went to Connecticut. Arriving at Hartford in Octo- 
ber of 1687, he found the assembly in session, and demanded the 
charter. The story goes that the instrument was brought in and 



92 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

laid upon the table. A debate ensued, and continued until evening. 
When it was about to be decided that the charter should be given 
up, the lamps were dashed out. Other lights were brought in ; but 
the charter had disappeared. Joseph Wadsworth, snatching up 
the parchment, bore it off* through the darkness and concealed it 
in a hollow tree, ever afterward remembered as The Chartp:r 
Oak. But the assembly Avas overawed and the authority of 
Andros established throughout the country. 

20. But his dominion ended suddenly. The English Revolution 
of 1688 was at hand. James II. was driven from his throne ; the 
system of arbitrary rule which he had established fell with a crash, 
and Andros with the rest. Jhe news of the accession of William 
and Mary reached Boston on the 4th of April, 1689. On the 18th 
of the month, the citizens of Boston rose in rebellion. Andros was 
seized and marched to prison. The insurrection spread; and before 
the 10th of May New England had regained her liberties. 



ie,EOA.:piTUXj.A»TiOJsr. , 
Philip king of llie Wain panoags.— Causes of war.— Alexander's imprison- 
ment.— Outrages are conimitted.— The war begins.— Philip is pursued to iMount 
Hope.— Is ilriveu from the country.— Goes to the Nipmucks.— A general war 
ensues.— The JS'arragansetts remain neutral.— English embassadors massacred 
at Brookfield.— The town is attacked.— And burned.— Deerfield destroyed.— La- 
throp is ambushed at Bloody Brook.— Hadley is attacked.— Rescued by Goffe.— 
Springfield is destroyed.— Hadley burned.- The savages are defeated at Hat- 
field.— The English invade the country.— Philip and his forces take refuge 
in a swamp.— Are surrounded.— And utterly routed,— Ruin of the Narra- 
gansetts.— The war on the frontiers.— Towns and villages destroyed.— The 
savages grow feeble.— Canonchet is put to death.— Philip's family are captured. 
—And sold as slaves.— Himself hunted down.— And shot.— Submission of the 
tribes.— Losses of New England.— The English goveriiment refuses help.— Ran- 
dolph comes to Massachusetts.— And is resisted.— Massachusetts purchases 
Maine.— Difficulties concerning New Hampshire.— Royal government is es- 
tablished.— Cranfleld's administration.— The king's hostility.— His death.— The 
charter of Massachusetts is annulled.— James 11. appoints Andros governor.— 
The liberties of the people are destroyed.— The government of Andros is ex- 
tended over New England.— The charter of Connecticut is saved,--The Revo- 
lution of 1688.— Andros is imprisoned.— And the colonies regain their liberties. 



3IASSACHUSETTS.— WAB AND WITCHCRAFT. 93 



CHAPTER XVI. 

MASSACHUSETTS.— WAR AND WITCHCRAFT. 

IN 1689 war was declared between France and England. This 
conflict is known in American history as King William's 
War. When James II. escaped from his kingdom, he took refuge 
at the court of Louis XIV. of France. The two monarchs were 
both Catholics, and on this account an alliance ^vas made between 
them. Louis agreed to support James in his effort to recover the 
English throne. Parliament, meanwhile, had conferred the crown 
on King William. Thus the new sovereign was brought into con- 
flict with the exiled James and his ally, the king of France. The 
war which thus originated in Europe soon extended to the French 
and English colonies in America. 

2. The struggle began on the frontier of Xew Hampshire. On 
the 27th of June, a party of Indians in alliance with the French 
made an attack on Dover. The venerable magistrate of the town, 
Richard Waldron, now eighty years of age, was murdered. Twenty- 
three others were killed, and twenty-nine dragged off captive into 
the wilderness. 

3. In August a hundred Abenakis came down from the Penob- 
scot, and attacked Pemaquid — now Bremen. A company of 
farmers were surrounded in the harvest-field and murdered. The 
fort was besieged and compelled to surrender. A few of the peo- 
ple escaped into the woods; the rest were killed or carried away 
captive. The English and the Mohawks entered into an alliance, 
but the latter refused to make war upon their countrymen of 
Maine. The Dutch settlements of New Netherland made common 
cause with the English against the French. 

4. In January, 1690, a regiment of French and Indians left 
Montreal, crossed the Mohawk, and reached the village of Sche- 



94 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

iiectady. At midnight they stole through the gates, raised the 
war-whoop, and began the work of death. The town was soon in 
flames. Sixty people were killed and scalped; the rest, escaping 
half-clad into the darkness, ran sixteen miles through the snow to 
Albany. The settlement of Salmon Falls, on the Piscataqua, was 
next attacked and destroyed. The English fort at Casco Bay was 
taken and the settlements broken up. 

5. New England was thoroughly aroused. In order to provide 
the means of war, a congress was convened at New York. Here 
it was resolved to attempt the conquest of Canada. At the same 
time, Massachusetts was to cooperate by sending a fleet up the St. 
Lawrence against Quebec. Thirty-four vessels, carrying two thou- 
sand troops, were fitted out, and the command given to Sir Wil- 
liam Phipps. Proceeding first against Port Royal, he compelled 
a sui-render ; the whole of Nova Scotia submitted without a strug- 
gle. The expedition was foolishly delayed until October ; and an 
Indian carried the news to the governor of Canada. When the 
fleet came in sight of the town, the castle was so well garrisoned as 
to bid defiance to the English ; and it only remained for Phip2:)s to 
sail back to Boston. To meet the expenses of this expedition, 
Massachusetts issued bills of credit which were made a legal tender. 
Such was the origin of paper money in America. 

6. Meanwhile, the land forces had proceeded from Albany to 
Lake Champlain. Here dissensions arose among the commanders, 
and the expedition ha'd to be abandoned. Sir William Phipps was 
now sent to England to procure aid from the government and to 
secure a reissue of the old colonial charter. But the ministers re- 
plied that the English armies could not be spared, and that the old 
patent would not be reissued. In the spring of 1692, Sir AVilliam 
returned to Boston commissioned as royal governor of Massachu- 
setts, Plymouth, Maine, and Nova Scotia. 

7. The war still continued. In 1694, the village of Oyster River 
was destroyed by the savages. The inhabitants were either killed 
or carried into captivity. Two years later, Pemaquid was a second 
time surrendered to the French and Indians. The captives were 
sent to B(«ton and exchanged for prisoners held by the English. 
In the following March, Haverhill was ca])tured under circum- 



MASSACHUSETTS.— WAR AND WITCHCRAFT. 95 

stances of great atrocity. Nearly forty persons were butchered 
in cold blood ; only a few were spared for captivity. Among the 
latter was Mrs. Hannah Dustin. Her child, only a week old, was 
dashed against a tree. The heart-broken mother, with her nurse 
and a lad named Leonardson, was taken by the savages to an 
island in the Merrimac. Here, while their captors, twelve in 
number, were asleep at night, the three prisoners arose, armed 
themselves with tomahawks, and with one deadly blow after 
another crushed in the temples of the savages, until ten of them lay 
still in death. Then, embarking in a canoe, the captives droj^ped 
down the river and reached the English settlement in safety. 

8. But the war was already at an end. Early in 1697, commis- 
sioners of France and England assembled at the town of Kyswick, 
in Holland; and on the 10th of the following September, a treaty 
of peace was concluded. King William was acknowledged as the 
rightful sovereign of England, and the colonial boundary-lines of 
the two nations in America were established as before. 

9. The darkest page in the history of New England is that which 
records the Salem Witchcraft. In February of 1692, in that 
part of Salem afterward called Danvers, a daughter and a niece 
of Samuel Parris, the minister, were attacked with a nervous dis- 
order which rendered them partially insane. Parris pretended to 
believe that the girls were bewitched, and that an Indian maid- 
servant was the author of the affliction. He had seen her per- 
forming some of the rude ceremonies of her religion, and this 
gave color to his suspicions. He accordingly tied the ignorant 
creature and whipped her until she confessed herself a witch. 
Here, perhaps, the matter would have ended had not other causes 
existed for the spread of the delusion. 

10. But Parris had had a quarrel in his church. A part of the 
congregation, led by George Burroughs, a former minister, disbe- 
lieved in witchcraft, while Parris and the rest thought such dis- 
belief the height of wickedness. The celebrated Cotton Mather, 
minister of Boston, had recently preached much on the subject 
of witchcraft, teaching that witches were dangerous and ought to 
be put to death. Sir William Phipps, the royal governor, was a 
member of Mather's church. Stoughton, the deputy-governor, was 



96 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the tool of Parris and Mather. To these men must be charged 
the dreadful crimes that followed. 

11. By the laws of England and of Massachti setts, witchcraft 
was punishable with death. In the early history of the colony, 
one person charged with being a wizard had been arrested at 
Charlestown, convicted and executed. But many peo2:)le had now 
grown bold enough to denounce the baleful superstition ; and some- 
thing had to be done to save witchcraft from falling into con- 
tempt. A special court was accordingly appointed by Pliipps to 
go to Salem and judge the persons accused by Parris. Stoughton 
was the presiding officer, Parris the prosecutor, and Mather a 
bishop to decide when the testimony was sufficient to condemn. 

12. On the 21st of March, the proceedings began. Mary Cory 
was arrested, brought before the court, convicted, and hurried to 
prison. Sarah Cloyce and Rebecca Nurse, two innocent sisters, 
were next apprehended as witches. The only witnesses against 
them were the foolish Indian woman and the niece of Parris. The 
victims were sent to prison, j^rotesting their innocence. Giles 
Cory, a patriarch of eighty years, and Edward Bishop, a sturdy 
farmer, and his wife were next arrested and condemned. George 
Burroughs was accused and imprisoned. And so the work went on, 
until seventy-five innocent people were locked up in dungeons. 

13. In hope of saving their lives, some of the prisoners confessed 
themselves witches. It was soon found that those were to be put 
to death who denied the reality of witchcraft. Convictions fol- 
lowed fast; the gallows stood waiting for its victims. Burroughs 
was brought to the scaffold. Old Giles Cory refused to plead, and 
ivas pressed to death. Five women were hanged in one day. 

14. Between June and September, twenty victims were hurried 
to their doom. Fifty-five others were tortured into the confession 
of falsehoods. A hundred and fifty lay in prison awaiting their 
fate. Two hundred were accused or suspected, and ruin seemed to 
impend over New England. But a reaction at last set in among 
the people. The court whicli Phipps had ajDpointed to sit at 
Salem was dismissed. The spell was broken. The prisons were 
opened, and the victims of superstition went forth free. In the 
beginning of the next year a few persons were arrested and tried 



MASSACHUSETTS.— WARS OF ANNE AND GEORGE. 97 

for witchcraft. Some were even convicted ; but not another life 
was sacrificed. 

15. Most of those who participated in these terrible scenes con- 
fessed the wrong which they had done ; but confessions could not 
restore the dead. Mather, in a vain attempt to justify himself, 
wrote a book in which he expressed his thankfulness that so many 
nitdi£s had met their just doom ; and the hypocritical pamphlet re- 
ceived the approbation of the president of Harvard College. 



King William's War begins.— The causes.— Dover is attacked and burned.— 
Feniuquid, Schenectady, and Salmon Falls are destroj^ed.— An expedition is 
planned against Canada.— Phipps takes Port Royal.— But fails at Quebec— 
And returns.— Paper money is issued.— Failure of the land expedition.— Phipps 
goes to England.— And returns as royal governor.— Oyster River is destroyed.— 
Haverhill is attacked and burned.— Mrs. Dustin's captivity.— The treaty of Rys- 
wick.— The witchcraft excitement begins at Salem.— The causes.— Parris and 
Mather.— The trials.— Convictions,— Executions.— The reaction.— Mather's book. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

MASSACHUSETTS.— WARS OF ANNE AND GEORGE. 

IN less than four years after the treaty of Ryswick, France and 
England were again involved in a war which soon extended to 
tlie American colonies. In the year 1700, Charles II., king of 
Spain, died, having named as his successor Philip of Anjou, a 
grandson of Louis XIV. This measure pointed to a union of the 
crowns of France and Spain. The jealousy of England, Holland, 
and Austria was aroused; the archduke Charles of the latter 
country was put forward as a candidate for the Spanish throne ; 
and war was declared against Louis XIV. for supporting Philip. 

2. In 1701 James II., the exiled king of Great Britain, died at 
the court of Louis, who now recognized the son of James as sov- 



98 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ereigii of England. This action was regarded as an insult to 
English nationality. King William prepared for war, but did not 
live to carry out his plans. In May of 1702, he died, leaving the 
crown to his sister-in-law, Anne, daughter of James II. From the 
circumstances of her reign, the conflict with France is known in 
American history as Queen Anne's War ; but a better name is 
The War of the Spanish Succession. 

3. In August, 1701, the powerful Five Nations, south of Lake 
Ontario and the St. Lawrence, made a treaty of neutrality with 
both the French and the English. The Abenakis of Maine did 
the same; but the French prevailed with the latter to break 
their compact. The first notice of treachery was a massacre. In 
one day the whole country between the town of Wells and Casco 
Bay, was given up to burning and butchery. 

4. In midwinter of 1703-4, the town of Deerfield was destroyed 
by three hundred French and Indians from Canada. Forty-seven 
of the inhabitants were tomahawked. A hundred and twelve were 
dragged into captivity. The prisoners, many of them women and 
children, were obliged to march to Canada. Eunice Williams, the 
minister's wife, fainted by the wayside, and her brains were dashed 
out with a hatchet. Those who survived were afterward ransomed 
and permitted to return to their homes. A daughter of Mr. Wil- 
liams remained among the Mohaw'ks, married a chieftain, and in 
after years returned in Indian garb to Deerfield. But love of the 
woods and of her tawny husband prevailed ovei- the charms of 
civilization, and she soon went back to the savages. 

5. For several years a border- war was carried on in Maine and 
New Hampshire. In 1707, a fleet, bearing a thousand soldiers, 
was equipped at Boston and sent against Port Royal. But the 
defence was conducted with so much skill that the English were 
obliged to abandon the undertaking. Again the enterprise was 
renewed; and in 1710 an English and American fleet of thirty- 
six vessels, having on board four regiments of troops, sailed against 
Port Royal. The garrison w-as weak ; famine came, and after a 
feeble defence, the place surrendered. All of Nova Scotia passed 
under the dominion of the English. The name of Port Royal was 
changed to Annapolis, in honor of Queen Anne. 



MASSACHUSETTS.— WABS OF ANNE AND GEORGE. 99 

6. Preparations were now made to invade Canada. A land 
force under General Nicholson was to march against Montreal. 
Fifteen men-of-war and forty transports were placed under com- 
mand of Sir Hovenden AValker for the reduction of Quebec. 
Seven regiments of veterans, from the armies of Europe, were 
added to the colonial forces and sent with the expedition. 

7. For six weeks the fleet was foolishly delayed at Boston. On 
the 30th of July, the ships set sail for the St. Lawrence. Pro- 
ceeding up the river, the fleet, on the 22d of August, was enveloped 
in a fog. A gale came on, and eight of the best vessels were 
dashed to ])ieces on the rocks. Eight hundred and eighty-four 
men went down in the whirlpools. The remaining ships sailed 
back to England, and the colonial troops were disbanded at Boston. 

8. Meanwhile, the army of General Nicholson had marched 
against Montreal. But when news arrived of the failure of the 
fleet, the land expedition was also abandoned. The folly of Walker 
had brought the campaign of 1711 to a shameful end. France 
had already made overtures for peace. On the 11th of April, 
1713, a treaty was concluded at Utrecht, a town of Holland. 
By the terms of the settlement, England obtained control of 
the fisheries of New'foundland. Labrador, the Bay of Hudson, 
and Nova Scotia, were ceded to Great Britain. On the 13th of 
July a second treaty was concluded with the Indians by which 
peace was secured throughout the American colonies. 

9. In the times that followed Queen Anne's war, the people were 
greatly dissatisfied with the royal governors. The opposition to 
those oflScers took the form of a controversy about their salaries. 
The assembly insisted that the governor and his councilors should 
be paid in proportion to the importance of their oflSces, and for 
actual service only. But the royal commissions gave to each officer 
a fixed salary, wdiich was frequently out of proportion to the serv- 
ices required. The difficulty was finally adjusted with a compro- 
mise in which the advantage was on the side of the people. It 
was agreed that the salaries of the royal ofllicers should be an- 
nually allowed, and the amount fixed by vote of the assembly. 

10. On the death of Charles VI. of Austria, in 1740, there were 
two claimants to the crown of the empire — Maria Theresa, daughter 

7 

L.ofC. 



100 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

of the late emperor, and Charles Albert of Bavaria. Each claim- 
ant had his party and his army ; war followed ; and nearly all 
the nations of Europe were swept into the conflict. England and 
France were arrayed against each other. The contest that ensued 
is generally known as the War of the Austrian Succession, but hi 
American history is called King George's War; for George II. 
was now king of England. 

11. In America the only important event of the war was the 
capture of Louisburg, on Cape Breton Island. This place, stand- 
ing at the entrance to the St. Lawrence, was regarded as a key to 
the Canadian provinces. Governor Shirley brought the matter 
before the legislature of Massachusetts; it was resolved to attempt 
the capture of the enemy's stronghold, and the other colonies were 
invited to aid the enterprise. Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode 
Island, New York, and Pennsylvania contributed men and sup- 
plies. The forces of Massachusetts alone numbered more than 
three thousand. An invitation was sent to Commodore Warren, 
commanding the English fleet in the West Indies, to join the col- 
onial forces. William Pepperell, of Maine, was appointed com- 
mander-in-chief; and on the 4th of April, 1745, the American 
fleet sailed for Cape Breton. 

12. At Canseau, Nova Scotia, the expedition was detained for 
sixteen days. Commodore Warren brought his fleet safely thither 
on the 2od of April. On the last day of the month the armament, 
numbering a hundred vessels, entered the Bay of Gabarus in sight 
of Louisburg. A landing was effected four miles below the city. 
On the next day four hundred volunteers, led by William Vaughan, 
stormed a French battery and turned the guns upon the fortress. 
An English battery was established on the east side of the harbor, 
but the walls of Louisburg were so strong that little damage was 
done by the guns across the bay. The soldiers of New England 
lashed their heavy cannons upon sledges, and dragged them through 
a marsh to solid ground within two hundred yards of the enemy's 
works. Still, the fort stood firm, and the siege progressed sloAvly. 

13. On the 18th of May a French ship of sixty-four guns, laden 
with stores for the garrison, was captured by Warren's fleet. The 
French were greatly discouraged, and the defence grew feeble. 



IfASSACHUSETTS.-WARS OF ANNE AND GEORGE. 101 

On the 26tli of the month an effort was made to capture the 
French battery in the harbor ; but the storming party was repulsed 
with the loss of a hundred and seventy-six men. A general assault 



but on the day previous the 



garrison 



\i li JE X 




''^^^.tJ,TTS ^^^^ 



SIEGE OF LOUISBl'RG, 1745. 



was set for the 18th of June ; 
sent out a flag of truce; terms 
of capitulation were agreed 
on, and the English flag was 
lioisted over the fortress, 

14. By the terms of surren- 
der, Louisl)urg and Cape Bre- 
ton were given up to England. 
The rejoicing in the colonies 
was only equaled by the indig- 
nation in France, Louisbiiro; 
must be retaken at all haz- 
ards, said the French ministers. 
For this purpose a powerful fleet was sent out in the following year, 
but before reaching America the commander died. Storms and 
disasters drove the ill-fated expedition to ruin. The renewal of 
the enterprise, in 1747, was attended with like misfortunes. 

15. In 1748 a treaty of peace was concluded at Aix-la-Chapelle, 
a town of Western Germany. Nothing was gained but a res- 
toration of conquests. Cape Breton was given back to France. 
Not a single boundary line was settled by the treaty. The real 
war between France and England for supremacy in the AVest 
was yet to be fought. 

16. The history of Massachusetts has now been traced through 
a period of a hundred and thirty years. A few words on the 
Character of the Puritans may be added. They were a vigor- 
ous and hardy people, firm-set in the principles of honesty and 
virtue. They w^ere sober, industrious, frugal; resolute, zealous, 
and steadfast. They esteemed truth more than riches. Loving 
home and native land, they left both for the sake of freedom ; 
and finding freedom, they cherished it with the devotion of 
martyrs. Despised and hated, they rose above their revilers. In 
the school of evil fi)rtune they gained the discipline of patience. 
They were the children of adversity and the fathers of renown. 



102 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

17. The gaze of the Puritan was turned ever to posterity. He 
believed in the future. For his children he toiled and sacrificed. 
The system of free-schools is the monument of his love. The 
printing-press is his memorial. Almshouses and asylums are the 
tokens of his care for the unfortunate. With him the outcast 
found sympathy, and the wanderer a home. He was the earliest 
champion of civil rights, and the builder of the Union. 

18. In matters of religion the fathers of New England were 
sometimes intolerant and superstitious. Their religious faith was 
gloomy. Human life was deemed a sad and miserable journey. 
To be mistaken was to sin. To fail in trifling ceremonies was 
reckoned a crime. In the shadow of such belief the people became 
austere and melancholy. They set up a cold and severe form of 
worship. Dissenters themselves, they could not tolerate the dissent 
of others. To punish error seemed to the Pilgrims to be right and 
necessary. But Puritanism contained within itself the power to 
correct its own abuses. The evils of the system may well be for- 
gotten in the glory of its achievements. Without the Puritans, 
America would have been a delusion and liberty only a name. 



Causes of Queen Anne's War.— Field of operations in America.— A treaty is 
made witli the Five Nations.— Tlie conflict begins.— Deertield is burned.— And 
tlie inliabitants carried captive to Canada.— Barbarities of tlie Indians.— An 
expedition is sent against Port Royal,— Tlie attempt fails.— Js renewed in 1710.— 
Port Royal is taken.— And named Annapolis.— Preparations are made for 
invading Canada.— Nicholson commands the land forces.— And Walker the 
fleet.— The squadron is delayed!- Is ruined by a storm in the St. Lawrence.— 
Returns in disgrace.— The expedition by land is abandoned.— A treaty is made 
at Utrecht.— A separate peace with the Indians.- The people of Massachusetts 
resist the royal governors.— Causes of King George's War.— The conflict begins. 
—Importance of Louisburg.— Its conquest is planned.— The colonies contribute 
men and means.— The expedition leaves Boston.— Is joined by Warren's fleet. 
—Invests Louisburg.— The siege.— Cape Breton submits.— France attempts to 
reconquer Louisburg.— Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.— Character of the Puritans. 



\ 



NEW YORK.— SETTLEMENT. 



103 



CHAPTER XVIII. 
NEW YORK.— SETTLEMENT. 

THE settlement of New Amsterdam resulted from the voyages 
of the brave Sir Henry Hudson. For ten years after its 
founding, the colony was governed by the directors of the Dutch 
East India Company. In 1621 the Dutch West India Company 
was organized, and Manliattan Island, with its cluster of huts, 
passed at once 
under the con- 
trol of the 
new corpora- 
tion. 

2. In April, 
1623, the ship 
New Nether - 
land, with 
thirty fa m i- 
lies on board, 
arrived at 
New Amster- 
dam. The col- 
onists, called 
Walloons, 
were Dutch 
Protestant 
refugees. Cor- 
nelius May 
was the leader 
of the com- 
pany. Most of the new immigrants settled with their friends on 
Manhattan; but the captain, with a party of fifty, made explora- 




SIK HRNRY HUDSON. 



104 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

tioiis as far as Delaware Bay. A few miles below Camden, a 
block-house was built and named Fort Nassau. In the same year 
Joris, another Dutch captain, sailed up the Hudson to the present 
site of Albany, where he built Fort Orange. 

3. In 1625 William Verhulst became governor of the colony at 
Manhattan. In January of the next year, Peter Minuit was ap- 
pointed to succeed him. In May the island, containing more than 
twenty thousand acres, was purchased from the natives for iiventy- 
four dollars. A block-house was built and surrounded with a pali- 
sade. New Amsterdam was already a town of thirty houses. 

4. The Dutch of New Amsterdam and the Pilgrims of New 
Plymouth were early and fast friends. In 1627 an embassy was 
sent by Minuit to Plymouth with expressions of good will. Gov- 
ernor Bradford replied with words of sympathy, but advised the 
Dutch to obtain new land-titles from the council of Plymouth. 

5. In 1628 the population of Manhattan inimbered two hundred 
and seventy. The settlers engaged in the fur-trade. In 1629 the 
West India Company framed a Charter of Privileges, under 
which a class of proprietors called patroons were authorized to 
colonize the country. The conditions were that each patroon should 
purchase his lands of the Indians ; and that he should establish a 
colony of not less than fifty persons. 

6. Five estates were immediately laid out. Three of them were 
on the Hudson ; the fourth, on Staten Island ; and the fifth, in the 
southern half of Delaware. Samuel Godyn was patroon of this 
estate, but the management was entrusted to David de Vries. With 
tliirty immigrants, he reached Delaware Bay in the spring of 1631, 
and fi)unded Lewistown, the oldest settlement in Delaware. 

7. De Vries soon returned to Holland, leaving the settlement in 
charge of Hosset. The latter brought the colony to ruin. The 
natives rose upon the colonists and left not a man alive. The 
houses were burned to the ground ; nothing but ashes remained to 
testify of savage passion. 

8. In April of 1633, Minuit was superseded by Wouter van 
Twiller. Three months previously the Dutch erected a block- 
house at Hartford. In October of the same year, an armed vessel 
from Plymouth sailed up the river and defied the Dutch com- 



NEW YORK-SETTLEMENT. 105 

luander. The English proceeded up stream to the mouth of the 
Farmington, where they built Fort Wmdsor. Two years later, by 
the building of Say brook, at the mouth of the Connecticut, they 
obtained control of the river above and below the Dutch fort. 

9. In 1626 Gustavus Adolphus, the Protestant king of Sweden, 
formed the design of establishing settlements in America. But 
before his plans could be carried into effect, he became in- 
volved in war, and the company which had been formed was dis- 
organized. In 1632 Gustavus w^as killed in battle, but the Swedish 
minister took up the work which his master had left unfinished. 
The charter of the company was renewed, and after four years the 
enterprise was brought to a successful issue. 

10. Late in 1637, a company of Swedes and Finns left the har- 
bor of Stockholm, and in the following February arrived in Dela- 
ware Bay. The country from Cape Henlopen to the falls at 
Trenton, was honorably purchased of the Indians. The name of 
New Sweden was given to the territory. On the left bank of a 
small tributary of the Brandy wine, a spot was chosen for the settle- 
ment. The immigrants soon provided themselves with houses. 
The creek and the fort were both named Christiana, in honor of 
Christina, the maiden queen of Sweden. In a short time the banks 
of the bay and river were dotted with pleasant hamlets. 

11. The authorities of New Amsterdam were jealous of the 
Swedish colony. Sir William Kieft, who had succeeded Van 
Twiller, warned the settlers of their intrusion on Dutch territory. 
But the Swedes went on enlarging their borders. Kieft, indignant 
at these aggressions, sent a party to rebuild Fort Nassau, on the 
old site below Camden. The Sw^edes adopted active measures of 
defence. Ascending the river to within six miles of the mouth of 
the Schuylkill, they landed. On the island of Tinicum, a short 
distance below Philadelphia, they built a strong fort of hemlock 
logs. Here, in 1643, Governor Printz established his residence. 

12. In 1640 New Netherland became involved in a war with 
the Indians. Dishonest traders had maddened them with rum and 
then defrauded them. Tlie savages of the Jersey shore crossed 
over to Staten Island, burning and killing. New Amsterdam was 
soon put in a state of defence, and a company of militia was sent 



106 HISTORY OF THE UJSITED STATES. 

against the savages. On both sides the war degenerated into 
treachery and murder. Through the mediation of Roger Wil- 
liams, a truce was obtained, and immediately broken. A chief- 
tain's son, who had been robbed, went to the nearest settlement 
and killed the first Hollander whom he met. Governor Kieft 
demanded the criminal, but the chiefs refused to give him up, 

13. While the dispute was still unsettled, a party of Mohawks 
came down the river to enforce their supremacy over the Algonquins 
in the vicinity of New Amsterdam. The latter begged assistance 
of tlie Dutch. Kieft now saw an opportunity of wholesale destruc- 
tion. A company of soldiers set out from Manhattan, and dis- 
covered the camp of the Algonquins. The place was surrounded 
by night, and the first notice of danger given to the savages was 
the roar of muskets. Nearly a hundred of the poor wretches were 
killed by those to whom they had appealed for help. 

14. When it was known among the tribes that the Dutch, and 
not the Mohawks, were the authors of this outrage, the war was 
renewed with fury. The Indians divided into small war-parties 
and concealed themselves in the woods ; then rose upon defence- 
less farmhouses, burning and butchering without mercy. At this 
time Mrs. Anne Hutchinson was living with her son-in-law in the 
valley of the Housatonic. Her house was surrounded and set on 
fire hy the savages ; every member of the family except one child 
was murdered. Mrs. Hutchinson herself was burned alive. 

15. In 1643 Captain John Underbill of Massachusetts was ap- 
pointed to command the Dutch forces. He first invaded New 
Jersey, and brought the Delawares into subjection. A decisive 
battle was fought on Long Island ; and at Greenwich, in Western 
Connecticut, the power of the Indians was finally broken. The 
Iroquois came forward with proposals for peace. Both parties 
were anxious to rest from the ruin of war. On the 30th of Au- 
gust, 1645, a treaty was concluded at Fort Amsterdam. 

16. Nearly all of the bloodshed of this war may be charged to 
Governor Kieft. The people had many times desired to make 
peace with the Indians, but the project had always been defeated 
by tlie governor. As soon as the war was ended, petitions for 
his removal were circulated and signed by the people. In 1647 



I 



])fEW YORK.— ADMINISTRATION OF STUYVESANT. 107 

the West India Company revoked his commission and appointed 
Peter Stuyvesant to succeed him. Kieft embarked for Europe; 
but the ship in which he sailed was wrecked on the coast of Wales, 
and the guilty governor found a grave in the sea. 



I2.EC!-A.I=ITTJXj.A-TI03Sr. 

The East India Company ^^oyorn Manhattan.— A colony is sent from Hol- 
land.— A charter is fj;ranted to tlie West India company.— The Walloons arrive 
at New Amsterdam.— May builds Foit Nassau.— And Jorris, Fort Orange.— May 
is governor.- And then Verhulst.— And Minuit.— Manhattan is purchased.— 
And fortified.— Friendly relations of the Walloons and the Puritans. -The 
Dutch devote themselves to the fur-trade.-Growth of the colony.— A charter 
is granted.— The pat roons.— Five manors are laid out.— Delaware is colonized.— 
And then abandoned.— Van Twiller succeeds Minuit.— A fort is built at Hart- 
ford.— The English claim the Connecticut.— Sweden proposes to plant an 
American colony.— The project is delayed.— But renewed.— A colony reaches 
the Delaware.— Settles at Christiana.— Is prosperous.— New Netherland is 
jealous.— Fort Nassau is rebuilt.— Printz removes to Tinicum.— The Indian 
War breaks out.— The Mohawks come.— Kieft massacres the Algonquins.— The 
war continues.— Fate of Mrs. Hutchinson. -Underhill conquers the Indians.— 
Kieft the author of the war. -Stuyvesant succeeds him. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

NEW YORK.— ADMINISTRATION OF STUYVESANT. 

PETER STUYVESANT entered upon his duties on the 11th of 
May, 1647, and continued in office for seventeen years. His 
first care was to conciliate the Indians. So intimate and cordial 
became the relations between the natives and the Dutch that they 
were suspected of making common cause against the English. 
Massachusetts was alarmed lest such an alliance should be formed. 
But the policy of Stuyvesant was based on nobler principles. 

2. Until now the West India Company had had exclusive con- 
trol of the commerce of New Netherland. In 1648 this monopoly 
was abolished, and regular export duties were substituted. The 



10« HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

benefit of the change was soon apparent in the improvement of 
the Dutch province. In a letter written to Stuyvesant by the 
secretary of the coQipany, the prediction was made that the com- 
merce of New Amsterdam should cover every ocean, and the ships 
of all nations crowd into her harbor. But for many years the 
growth of the city was slow. The better parts of Manhattan 
Island were still divided among the farmers. Central Park was 
i forest of oaks and chestnuts. 

3. In 1650 the boundary was fixed between New England and 
New Netherland. The line extended across Long Island north 
and south, passing through Oyster Bay, and thence to Greenwich, 
on the other side of the sound. From this point northward the 
dividing-line was nearly identical with the present boundary of 
Connecticut on the west. This treaty was ratified by the colo- 
nies, by the West India Company, and by the States-General of 
Holland ; but England treated the matter with indifference. 

4. Stuyvesant now determined to subdue the colony of New 
Sweden. In 1651, an armament left New Amsterdam for the 
Delaware. On the present site of New Castle, Fort Casimir was 
built and garrisoned with Dutch soldiers. The Swedish settle- 
ment of Christiana was almost in sight of this fortress, and a 
conflict could not be avoided. Rising, the governor of the Swedes, 
waited until Fort Casimir was completed, then captured the place 
by stratagem, and hoisted the flag of Sweden. 

5. It was a short-lived triumph. The West India Company 
at once issued orders to Stuyvesant to compel the Swedish colo- 
nists to submit. In September of 1655, the old governor, at the 
head of six hundred troops, sailed against New Sweden. Before 
the 25th of the month every fort belonging to the Swedes had 
been forced to surrender. Honorable terms were granted to all, 
and in a few days the authority of New Netherland was estab- 
lished. The little State of New Sweden had ceased to exist. The 
possessions of the various nations in America may be studied 
from the accompanying map, drawn for the year 1655. 

6« Whik Stuyvesant was absent on his expedition against the 
Swedes, the Algonquins rose in rebellion. In a fleet of sixty- 
four 'canoes they appeared before New Amsterdam, yelling and 



NEW YORK— ADMINISTRATION OF STUYVESANT 109 



discharging arrows. After paddling aliout until their rage was 
spent, the savages went on shore and began to burn and mur- 
der. The return of the Dutch from Delaware induced the chiefs 
to sue for peace, which 
Stuyvesant granted on 
better terms than the 
Indians deserved. 

7. In 1663 the town 
of Kingston was at- 
tacked and destroyed 
by the Indians. Sixty- 
five of the inhabitants 
were tomahawked or 
carried into captivity. 
To punish this outrage 
a strong force was sent 
from New Amsterdam. 
The Indians fled to the 
woods; but the Dutch 
soldiers pursued them 
to their villages, burned 
their wigwams, and 
killed e V ery warrior 
who could be over- 




I'LIKU >1U\ VtbANl. 



taken. In May of 1664, a treaty of peace was concluded. 

8. Governor Stuyvesant had great difficulty in defending his 
province against the claims of other nations. Discord at home 
added to his embarrassments. For many years the Dutch had 
witnessed the growth and prosperity of the English colonies. 
Boston had outgrown New Amsterdam. The schools of Mass- 
achusetts and Connecticut flourished; the academy on Manhattan, 
after a sickly career of two years, was discontinued. In New 
Netherland heavy taxes were levied for the support of the poor ; 
New England had no poor. The Dutch grew emulous of the 
progress of their neighbors, and attributed their own want of 
thrift to the mismanagement of the West India Company. 

9. On the 12th of March, 1664, the duke of York received 



110 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

from Charles II. a patent for the whole country between the Con- 
necticut and the Delaw^are. Without regard to the rights of 
Holland or the West India Company, through whose exertions the 
valley of the Hudson had been peopled, the English monarch by 
this act robbed a sister kingdom of a well-earned province. 

10. The duke of York made haste to secure his territory. An 
English squadron under command of Richard Nicolls was imme- 
diately sent to America. On the 28th of August, the fleet an- 
chored before New Amsterdam. Governor Stuyvesant convened 
the Dutch council and exhorted them to rouse to action and fight. 
Some one replied that the West India Company %va§, not worth 
fighting for. Burning with indignation, Stuyvesant snatched up 
the proposal of Nicolls and tore it to tatters. It was all in vain. 
The brave old man was forced to sign the capitulation ; and on 
the 8th of September, 1664, New Netherland ceased to exist. 

11. The English flag was hoisted over the fort and town, and 
the name of New York was substituted for New Amsterdam. 
The surrender of fort Orange, now named Albany, followed on 
the 24th ; and on the 1st of October the Swedish and Dutch set- 
tlements on the Delaware capitulated. The conquest was com- 
plete. The supremacy of Great Britain in America was finally 
established. From Maine to Georgia, every mile of the American 
coast was under the flag of England. 



stuyvesant is appointed governor.— Peace established with the Indians.— 
Flee trade succeeds monopoly.— Growth of the colony.— A boundary is estab- 
lished between New England and New Netherland.— The Dutch again claim 
New Sweden.— Build Fort Casimir.— The place Is captured by the Swedes.- 
Stuyvesant conquers New Sweden.— The Algonquins rebel. -And are subdued. 
—The Indians burn Kingston.- Are punished.— Stuyvesant is beset with ditn- 
culties.— New Netherland lags.— The Dutch prefer English laws.— The province 
is granted to the duke of York.— He makes good his claim.— Conquers New 
Netherland. 



^'EW YORK UNDER THE ENGLISH. HI 



CHAPTER XX. 
NEW YORK UNDER THE ENGLISH. 

RICHARD NICOLLS, the first English governor of New York, 
began his duties by settling boundaries. As early as 1623 
Long Island had been granted to the earl of Stirling. Connecticut 
also claimed that part of the island included in the present county 
of Suffolk. The claim of Stirling was purchased by the governor, 
but the pretensions of Connecticut were set aside. This action 
was the source of much discontent until the duke of York com- 
pensated Connecticut by making a favorable change in her south- 
west boundary. 

2. In 1664 the territory between the Hudson and the Del- 
aware was granted to Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret. 
This district, nearly corresponding with the State of New Jersey, 
was now taken from New York, and a separate government 
established by the proprietors. The country below the Dela- 
ware, called The Territories, was consohdated with New 
York and ruled by deputies of that province. Finally, the 
name of New York was extended to all the country formerly 
called New Netherland, 

3. The Dutch had surrendered themselves to the English gov- 
ernment in the hope of obtaining civil liberty. But it was a 
poor sort of liberty that any province was likely to receive from 
Charles II. The promised rights of the people were evaded and 
withheld. The old titles by which the Dutch farmers held their 
lands were annulled. The people were obliged to accept new 
deeds from the English governor, and to pay him therefor large 
«ums of money. 

4. In 1667 Nicolls was superseded by the tyrannical Lord Love- 
/ace. The people became dissatisfied and gloomy. The discontent 



112 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

was universal. Several towjis resisted the tax-gatherers and passed 
resolutions denouncing the government. The only attention which 
Lovelace and his council paid to these resolutions was to order them 
to be burnt before the town-house of Ncav York. When the 
Swedes, a quiet peoj^le, resisted the governor's exactions, he wrote 
to his deputy: "If there is any more murmuring against the 
taxes, make them so heavy that the people can do nothing but 
think hoAV to ^?iy them." 

5. In 1672 Charles II. was induced by the king of France to 
begin a war with Holland. The struggle extended to the colonies, 
and New York was for a short time revolutionized. In 1673 a small 
Dutch fleet sailed for America, and arrived before Manhattan 
on the 30th of July. Manning, the deputy-governor of New York, 
was frightened, and no defence was attempted. The fort was sur- 
rendered ; the city capitulated ; and the Avhole 2:)rovince yielded 
without a struggle. New Jersey and Delaware submitted. The 
name of New Netherland was revived; and the authority of Hol- 
land was restored from Connecticut to Maryland. 

6. But the conquest was only a brief military occupation of 
the country. The civil authority of the Dutch was never reestab- 
lished. In 1674 Charles II. was obliged to conclude a treaty 
of peace. All conquests made during the war were restored. 
New York reverted to the English government, and the rights 
of the duke were again recognized in the province. Sir Edmund 
Andros was now appointed governor. On the last day of October 
the Dutch forces were finally withdrawn, and Andros assumed con- 
trol of the government. 

7. It was a sad sort of government for the people. All the 
abuses of Lovelace's administration were revived. Taxes were 
levied without authority of law, and the protests of the people 
were treated with scorn. A popular legislative assembly was 
demanded, but the duke of York wrote to Andros that popular 
assemblies were dangerous to the government, and that he did not 
see any use for them. 

8. In July of 1675, Andros made an effort to extend his author- 
ity over Connecticut. The assembly of that colony heard of his 
coming, and sent word to Captain Bull, at Saybrook, to resist 



NEW YORK UNDER THE ENGLISH. 113 

Aiidros in the name of the king. When the latter came in sight 
and hoisted the flag of England, the same colors were raised within 
the fort. The governor was permitted to land ; bnt when he began 
to read his commission, he was ordered in the king's name to desist. 
Overawed by the Saybrook militia, Andros retired to his boats and 
set sail for Long Island. 

9. The next attempt was to extend the jurisdiction of New York 
over New Jersey. Andros issued a decree that ships trading with 
that province should pay a duty at the custom-house of New York. 
This action was resisted. Andros attempted to frighten the assem- 
bly of New Jersey into submission, and arrested Philip Carteret, 
the deputy-governor. The representatives of the people, however, 
declared themselves to be under the protection of the Great Charter, 
which not even the duke of York could alter or annul. In August 
of 1682 the "Territories" beyond the Delaware were granted by 
the duke to William Penn. This little district, first settled by the 
Swedes, afterward conquered by the Dutch, then transferred to 
England, was now finally separated from New York and joined to 
the new province of Pennsylvania. 

10. In 1683 Thomas Dongan, a Catholic, became governor of 
New York. For thirty years the people had been clamoring for a 
general assembly. At last the duke of York yielded to the demand. 
The new governor came with instructions to call an assembly of 
the freeholders of New York, by whom certain persons should be 
elected to take part in the government. Then, for the first time, 
the people of the province were permitted to choose their own 
rulers and to frame their own laws. 

11. The new assembly made haste to declare the people to be .1 
part of the government. All freeholders were granted the right 
of suflTrage ; trial by jury was established ; taxes should not be 
levied except by the assembty; soldiers should not be quartered 
on the people; martial law should not exist; no person should be 
persecuted on account of his religion. 

12. In July of 1684, the governors of New York and A^irginia 
were met by the chiefs of the Iroquois at Albany ; and the terms 
of a lasting peace were settled. A long war ensued between the 
Five Nations and the French. The Jesuits of Canada employed 



114 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

every artifice to induce the Indians to break their treaty with the 
English ; but the alliance was faithfully observed. In 1684, and 
again in 1687, the French invaded the territory of the Iroquois; 
but the warlike Mohawks and Oneidas drove back their foes with 
loss and disaster. 

13. In 1685 the duke of York became king of England. It 
was soon found that even a monarch could violate his pledges. 
King James became the enemy of the government which had been 
established in his American province. The legislature of New 
York was dismissed. An odious tax was levied. Printing-presses 
were forbidden ; and all the old abuses were revived. 

14. In 1686 Edmund Andros became governor of New England. 
It was his plan to extend his authority over New York and 
New Jersey. To the former province, Francis Nicholson was sent 
as Andros's deputy ; and until the English Revolution of 1688, 
New York was ruled as a province of New England. When the 
news of the accession of William of Orange reached New York, 
there was great rejoicing. The people rose in rebellion against 
Nicholson, who was glad to escape to England. 

15. The leader of the insurrection was Captain Jacob Leisler. 
A committee of ten took upon themselves the task of governing. 
Leisler was appointed commandant of New York, and afterwards 
provisional governor. The councilors, who were friends of the 
deposed Nicholson, left the city and went to Albany. Here the 
party opposed to Leisler organized a second provisional government. 
Both factions began to rule in the name of William and Mary, the 
new sovereigns of England. 

16. In 1689 Milborne, the son-in-law of Leisler, was sent to 
Albany to demand the surrender of the town. But the leaders of 
the northern faction opposed the demand and Milborne was 
obliged to retire. Such was the condition of affiiirs at the begin- 
ning of King William's War. In the spring of 1690 the au- 
thority of Leisler as governor of New York was recognized 
throughout the province. The summer was spent in prepara- 
tions to conquer Canada. The general assembly was convened at 
the capital; but little was accomplished except a recognition of 
the government of Leisler. 



I 



NEW YORK UNDER THE ENGLISH. 115 

17. In January of 1691, Captain Richard Iiigoldsby arrived at 
New York. He brought intelligence that Colonel Sloughter had 
been appointed governor of the province. Leisler received In- 
goldsby with courtesy, but the latter haughtily demanded the 
surrender of His Majesty's fort. Leisler refused to yield, but ex- 
pressed his loyalty to King William and Colonel Sloughter. In 
March the governor himself arrived ; and Leisler on the same day 
tendered his submission. He wrote a letter to Sloughter, express- 
ing a desire to surrender the post to the governor. The letter Avas 
unanswered. Ingoldsby was sent with verbal orders to receive the 
fort. Leisler capitulated, and he and Milborne were seized and 
sent to prison. 

18. As soon as the government was organized the prisoners were 
brought to trial. It was decided that Leisler had been a usurper. 
Sentence of death was passed on him and Milborne, but Sloughter 
hesitated to put the sentence into execution. In this state of 
affairs the governor was invited to a banquet by the royal coun- 
cilors ; and when heated with drink, the death-warrant was thrust 
before him for his signature. He succeeded in signing his name 
to the parchment; and before his drunken revel had passed away, 
his victims had met their fate. On the 16th of May, Leisler and 
Milborne were taken from prison and hanged. 

19. In the same summer Governor Sloughter renewed the treaty 
with the chiefs of the Five Nations. In 1692 Major Schuyler, at 
the head of the New York militia, made a successful expedition 
against the French beyond Lake Champlain. Meanwhile, the 
assembly of the province met and passed a resolution against arbi- 
trary taxation, and another which declared the people to be a part 
of the government. 

20. Sloughter was succeeded in office by Benjamin Fletcher, a 
bad man of poor abilities. The new executive arrived in Septem- 
ber of 1692. It was at this time the purpose of the English king 
to place under a common government all the territory between the 
Connecticut and the Delaware. Fletcher was accordingly com- 
missioned as governor and commander-in-chief of New York, and 
also of the militia of Connecticut and New Jersey. In the latter 
province he met with little opposition ; but the Puritans of Hart- 

8 



116 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ford treated his pretensions with contempt. He made an effort 
to establish the English Church in New York, but was resisted 
and defeated. 

21. In 1696 New York was invaded by the French. But they 
were soon driven back by the English and the Iroquois. Before a 
second invasion could be undertaken, King William's War was 
ended. In 1697 the Irish earl of Bellomont succeeded Fletcher as 
governor. His administration was the happiest in the history of 
the colony. His authority, like that of his predecessor, extended 
over a part of New England. Massachusetts and New Hampshire 
were under his jurisdiction, but Connecticut and Rhode Island re- 
mained independent. 

22. To Bellomont's administration belongs the story of Captain 
William Kidd, the pirate. A vessel was fitted out by a company of 
distinguished Englishmen, to protect the commerce of Great Britain 
and to punish piracy. Governor Bellomont was one of the pro- 
prietors; and Kidd received a commission as captain. The ship 
sailed from England before Bellomont's departure for New York. 
Soon the news came that Kidd himself had turned pirate and be- 
come the terror of the seas. For two years he continued his career, 
then appeared publicly in the streets of Boston, was seized, sent to 
England, tried, convicted and hanged. What disposition was made 
of the treasures which the pirate-ship had gathered on the ocean 
has never been ascertained. It has been thought by some that the 
vast hoard of ill-gotten wealth was buried in the sands of Long 
Island. 

23. In May of 1702, Bellomont was superseded by Lord Corn- 
bury. A month previously the proprietors of New Jersey had 
surrendered their province to the English Crown. All obstacles 
being thus removed, the two colonies were formally united in one 
government under Cornbury. For thirty-six years the two prO' 
vinces continued under the jurisdiction of a single governor. 

24. Lord Cornbury was greatly disliked by the people. He 
attempted to establish the English Church ; used the public money 
for his personal benefit ; and persecuted those who had taken part 
in Leisler's insurrection. In 1708 the civil dissensions of the 
province reached a climax. The people petitioned for the gov- 



NEW YORK UNDER THE ENGLISH. WJ 

ernor's removal. The councilors selected their own treasurer, and 
refused to vote appropriations. Then came Lord Lovelace with a 
commission from Queen Anne, and the wretched Cornbury was 
turned out of office. Left to the mercy of his subjects, they ar- 
rested him for debt and threw him into prison. 

25. In the winter of 1709-10, eighteen hundred volunteers from 
the Hudson and the Delaware made an unsuccessful expedition 
against Montreal. The army marched northward as far as Lake 
George. Here information was received that the English fleet, 
which was to cooperate against Quebec, had been §ent to Portugal ; 
the armament of New England was insufficient of itself to attempt 
the conquest ; and the troops of New York were obliged to retreat. 
Again, in 1711, the army which was to invade Canada by land was 
furnished by New York. A second time the provincial forces 
reached Lake George ; but the news of the disaster to Walker's 
fleet destroyed all hope of success, and the discouraged soldiers 
returned to their homes. A heavy debt remained as the result 
of these campaigns. 

26. In 1713 the Tuscaroras of Carolina, being defeated and driven 
from their homes by the Southern colonists, marched northward and 
joined their kinsmen on the St. Lawrence, making the sixth nation 
in the Iroquois confederacy. Nine years later the governors of 
New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia made a commercial treaty 
with the Six Nations, by which the fur-trade of the Indians was 
secured by the English. In order to gain the full benefit of this 
arrangement. Governor Burnett of New York established a trading- 
post at Oswego, on Lake Ontario. The French, meanwhile, had 
built a strong fort at Niagara, and another at Crown Point, on 
the western shore of Lake Champlain. 

27. The administration of Governor Cosby, who succeeded Bur- 
nett in 1732, was troubled with a dispute about the freedom of 
the press. The liberal party of the province held that a public 
journal might criticise the acts of the administration. The aris- 
tocratic party opposed such liberty as dangerous to good govern- 
ment. Zenger, an editor who published criticisms on the governor, 
was seized and put in prison. Great excitement ensued. The 
people praised their champion. Andrew Hamilton, a lawyer of 



118 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Philadelphia, went to New York to defend Zenger, who was 
brought to trial in July of 1735. The cause was heard, and the 
jury brought in a verdict of acquittal. The aldermen of New 
York, in order to testify their a2:)preciation of Hamilton's serv- 
ices, made him a present of an elegant gold box, and the people 
were enthusiastic over their victory. 

28. In the year 1741 occurred what is known as the Negro 
Plot. Negroes constituted a large fraction of the people. Sev- 
eral fires occurred, and the slaves were suspected of having kin- 
dled them ; now they became feared and hated. Some degraded 
women started a rumor that the negroes had made a plot to burn 
the city, and set up one of their own number as governor. The 
terrified people were ready to believe anything. The reward of 
freedom was offered to any slave who would reveal the jilot. 
Many witnesses rushed forward ; the jails were filled Avith the 
accused; and more than thirty of the miserable creatures, with 
hardly the form of a trial, were convicted and then hanged or 
burned to death. Others were transported and sold as slaves in 
foreign lands. As soon as the excitement had subsided, it came 
to be doubted whether the whole affair had not been the result 
of terror and fanaticism. The verdict of after times has been 
that there ivas no i^lot at all. 

29. During the progress of King George's War, New York 
was several times invaded by the French and Indians. But the 
invasions were easily repelled. Except the destruction of a few 
villages in the northern part of the State, little harm was done 
to the province. The alliance of the Mohawks with the Eng- 
lish made the invasion of New York by the French an exploit 
of more danger than profit. The treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, 
concluded in 1748, again brought peace and prosperity to the 
people of New York. 

30. Such is the history of the little colony planted on Man- 
hattan Island. A hundred and thirty years have passed since the 
first feeble settlements w^ere made ; now the valley of the Hudson 
is filled with fiirms and villages. The Walloons of Flanders and 
the Puritans of Now England have blended into one people. Dis- 
cord and contention have only resulted in colonial liberty. There 



NEW YORK UNDER TEE ENGLISH. H^ 

are other struggles througli which the sons of New York must 
pass before tliey gain their freedom. But the oldest and greatest 
of the Middle Colonies has entered upon a glorious career, and 
the foundations of an Empire State are laid. 



Nicolls settles boundaries.— New Jersey is granted to Berkeley and Cartei*et.— 
Is claimed by Nicolls.— The Territories.— The Dutch claim liberty.— New land- 
titles are issued.— Lovelace succeeds Nicolls. —Is resisted by the people.— His 
tyranny.— Friendship of the English and the Dutch. -War with Holland. -New 
York is reconquered.— But is restored to England.— Andros begins his govern- 
ment.— Claims the country from Connecticut to Maryland.— Is baffled by 
Captain Bull at Saybrook.— Attempts to overawe New Jersey.— Delaware is 
separated from New York.— And joined to Pennsylvania.— Dongan becomes 
governor.— The right of representation is conceded.— Character of the constitu- 
tion.— A treaty is made with the Iroquois.— The duke of York becomes king.— 
And overthrows colonial liberties.— Andros governor of New England.— Claims 
all the colonies north of the Delaware.— Leister's insurrection.— The province 
yields to his authority.— In goldsby arrives.— Leisler and Milborne are arrested.— 
And hanged.— The Iroquois treaty is renewed.— The Indians make war on the 
French.— The assembly declares against arbitrary rule.— Fletcher governor.— 
Usurps the government of New Jersey.— Is defeated at Hartford.— Effort to 
establish the Episcopal Church.— The French invade New York.— Are repelled.— 
Bellomont becomes governor. — The career of Captain Kidd.— Cornbury succeeds 
Bellomont.— New Jersey is annexed to New York.— Cornbury 's administration.— 
He is overthrown.— And succeeded by Lovelace.— An expedition is made against 
Montreal.— New York in debt.— The Tuscarora migration.— A fort is built at 
Oswego.— The French fortify Niagara and Crown Point.— Cosby governor.— Assails 
the freedom of tht press.— The trial of Zenger.— The negro plot.— French inva- 
sions of New York.— Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.— Prospects of the province. 



MIIS^OR EASTERN C0L0:N^IES, 



CHAPTER XXI. 

CONNECTICUT. 

THE history of Connecticut begins with the year 1630. The first 
grant of the territory was made by the council of Plymouth 
to the earl of Warwick ; and in March, 1631 the claim was trans- 
ferred by him to Lord Say-and-Seal, Lord Brooke, and John Hamp- 
den. Before a colony could be planted, the Dutch of New Nether- 
land reached the Connecticut and built a fort at Hartford. The 
people of Plymouth immediately sent out a force to counteract 
this movement of their rivals; for the territorial claim of the 
Puritans extended over Connecticut and over New Netherland itself 

2. When the English squadron sailing up the Connecticut came 
opposile the Dutch fort, the commander of the garrison ordered 
Captain Holmes to strike his colors, and threatened to fire in case 
the fleet should attempt to pass ; but the English defiantly hoisted 
sails and proceeded up the river. At the mouth of the Farming- 
ton the Puritans landed and built the block-house of Windsor. 

3. In October of 1635, a colony of sixty persons from Boston 
settled at Hartford, Windsor, and Wethersfield. Earlier in the 
same year the younger Winthrop, son of the governor of Massa- 
chusetts, arrived in New England. Under his direction a fort was 
built at the mouth of the Connecticut. The works were com- 
pleted just in time to prevent the entrance of a Dutch trading- 
vessel which appeared at the mouth of the river. Such was the 
founding of Saybrook, named in honor of Lord Say-and-Seal and 
Lord Brooke. 

4. To the early annals of Connecticut belongs the sad story of 
THE Pequod War. The country west of the Thames was more 
thickly peopled with savages than any other portion of New Eng- 

(120) 



CONNECTICUT. 121 

land. The warlike Peqiiods were able to muster seven hundred 
warriors. The whole force of the English did not amount to two 
hundred men. But the superior numbers of the savages were more 
than balanced by the courage and weapons of the English. 

5. In the year 1633, the crew of a trading- vessel were murdered 
on the banks of the Connecticut. An Indian embassy went to Bos- 
ton to apologize ; a treaty was made, and the Pequods acknowl- 
edged the king of England. The Narragansetts, enemies of the 
Pequods, had already made peace with Massachusetts. A recon- 
ciliation was thus effected between the two races of savages. But 
as soon as the Pequods were freed from their fear of the Narra- 
gansetts, they began to violate their treaty with the English. Out- 
rages were committed, and soon the war began in earnest. 

6. In this state of affairs the Pequods attempted to induce the 
Narragansetts and the Mohegans to join in a war against the 
English. But Roger Williams, now in Rhode Island, sent a letter 
to Sir Henry Vane, governor of Massachusetts, warned him of the 
danger, and volunteered to oppose the conspiracy. The governor 
replied, urging Williams to use his endeavors to thwart the alli- 
ance. Embarking alone in a canoe, the exile left Providence, and 
crossed the bay to the house of Canonicus, king of the Narragan- 
setts. There he found the ambassadors of the Pequods. For three 
days and nights, at the peril of his life, he pleaded with Canonicus 
to reject the proposals of the hostile tribe. At last his efforts were 
successful, and the Narragansetts voted to remain at peace. 

7. The Mohegans also rejected the proposed alliance. In the 
meantime, repeated acts of violence had roused the colony. Dur- 
ing the winter of 1636-37 many murders were committed. In 
April a massacre occurred at Wethersfield, in which nine persons 
were killed. On the 1st of May the towns of Connecticut declared 
war. Sixty volunteers were put under command of Captain John 
Mason, of Hartford. Seventy Mohegans joined the expedition ; 
and Sir Henry Vane sent Captain Underbill with twenty soldiers 
from Boston. 

8. The descent from Hartford to Saybrook occupied one day. 
On the 20th of the month, the expedition passed the mouth of the 
Thames ; here was the principal seat of the Pequod nation. When 



122 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




SCENE or THE PEQUOD WAR. 



the savages saw the squadron go by they set up shouts of exulta- 
tion, and persuaded themselves that the English were afraid to 
hazard battle. The fleet proceeded quietly into Narragansett Bay. 
Here the troops landed and began their march into the country of 
the Pequods. At the cabin of Canonicus, Mason met the chiefs of 

the Narragansetts, and tried 
to persuade them to join him 
against the enemy; but they, 
fearing that the English might 
be defeated, decided to remain 
neutral. 

9. On the 25th of May the 
trooj^s came ^vithin hearing of 
the Pequod fort. The warriors 
spent the night in uproar and 
jubilee. At two o'clock in the 
morning the English soldiers rose from their places of conceal- 
ment and rushed forward to the fort. A dog ran howling among 
the wigwams, and the warriors sprang to arms. The English leaped 
over the puny jDalisades and began the work of death. " Burn 
them !" shouted Mason, seizing a flaming mat and running among 
the cabins; and in a few minutes the wigwams were a sheet of 
flame. The English and Mohegans hastily withdrew. The savages 
ran round and round like wild beasts in a burning circus. If one 
of the wretched creatures burst through the flames, it was only to 
meet certain death. The destruction was complete. Only seven 
warriors escaped ; seven others were made prisoners. Six hundred 
men, women, and children perished, nearly all of them being 
burned to death in a heap. Before the rising of the sun the 
pride and glory of the Pequods had passed away forever. Sassa- 
cus, the cliief of the tribe, escaped to the Mohawks and was mur- 
dered. Two of the English were killed and twenty others wounded 
in the battle. 

10, In the morning three hundred Pequods, the remnant of the 
nation, approached from a second fort and found their town in 
ashes. The warriors stamped the earth in rage, and ran yelling 
through the woods. Mason's men returned to Saybrook, and thence 



CONNECTICUT. 123 

to Hartford. The remnants of the Pequods were pursued into 
the swamps west of Saybrook. Every wigwam was burned and 
every field laid waste. Two hundred fugitives were hunted to 
death or captivity. The prisoners were distributed as servants 
among the Narragansetts, or sold as slaves. 

11. In the pursuit of the Pequods the English became acquainted 
with the coast west of the mouth of the Connecticut. Here some, 
men of Boston tarried over winter, built cabins, and founded New 
Haven. Thither, in April, came a Puritan colony from England, 
led by Theophilus Eaton and John Davenport. On the first Sab- 
bath after their arrival they assembled for worship under an oak ; 
and Davenport preached a touching sermon on The Temptation 
IN THE Wilderness. The next care was to purchase land from 
the Indians. For the first year there was no government except a 
covenant that all would be obedient to the Scriptures. 

12. In June of 1639, the men of New Haven held a convention 
in a ham, and adopted the Bible for a constitution. The govern- 
ment was called the House of Wisdom, of which Eaton, Daven- 
port, and five others were the seven Pillars. None but church 
members were admitted to citizenship. All ofificers were to be 
chosen at an annual election. Other settlers came, and villages 
sprang up on both shores of the Sound. 

13. Until 1639 the Western colonies had been subject to Mass- 
achusetts. Now the people began to think of a separate com- 
monwealth. Delegates from the three towns came together at 
Hartford, and on the 14th of January a constitution was framed for 
the colony. The new instrument was one of the most simple and 
liberal ever adopted. But neither Saybrook nor New Haven would 
accept the frame of government by which the other colonies in the 
valley of the Connecticut were united. 

14. In 1643 Connecticut became a member of the Union of 
New England. New Haven was also admitted ; and in the next 
year Saybrook was annexed to Connecticut. In 1650, Governor 
Stuyvesant met the commissioners of the province at Hartford, 
and established the western ]8'f)undary of the province. This 
measure promised peace; but in 1651 Stuyvesant was suspected 
of inciting the Indians against the English. Connecticut and 



124 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



New Haven sought aid from Cromwell, who sent out a fleet to 
cooperate with the colonists in the reduction of New Netherland. 
But the news of peace arrived, and hostilities were averted. 

15. On the restoration of monarchy in England, Connecticut 
recognized King Charles as rightful sovereign. The younger 

Winthrop was sent as 
ambassador to Lon- 
don to procure a royal 
patent for the colony. 
He bore with him a 
charter which had been 
prepared by the au- 
thorities of Hartford. 
Lord Say-and-Seal and 
the earl of Manchester 
lent their influence to 
induce the king to sign 
it. Winthrop showed 
him a ring which 
Charles I. had given 
to Winthrop's grand- 
father; and the token 
so moved the monarch's 
feelings that in a care- 
less moment he signed 
the colonial charter — 
the most liberal and 
ample ever granted by an English king. 

16. When Winthrop returned to Connecticut he was chosen gov- 
ernor of the colony, and continued in ofiice for fourteen years. 
The civil institutions of the province were the best in New Eng- 
land. Peace reigned. During King Philip's War, Connecticut 
was saved from invasion. Not a hamlet was burned, not a life 
lost within her borders. 

17. Li July of 1675, Sir Edmund Andros, governor of New York, 
came to Saybrook to read his commission as governor of Connec- 
ticut; but Captain Bull who commanded the fort ordered him to 




THE YOUNGER WINTIIKOP. 



CONNECTICUT. 125 

stop. In vain did Andros insist that his dominions extended 
from the Connecticut to the Delaware. "Connecticut has her 
own charter, signed by King Charles II.," said Captain Bull; 
''leave off your reading, or take the consequences!" And the 
red-coated governor, trembling with rage, was sent to his boat by 
the Say brook militia. 

18. In October of 1687, Andros, now governor of all New Eng- 
land, made his famous visit to Hartford. On the day of his ar- 
rival he invaded the assembly while in session, seized the book of 
minutes, and w^rote Finis at the bottom of the page. He then 
demanded the surrender of the colonial charter. Governor Treat 
pleaded earnestly for the preservation of the document. An- 
dros was inexorable. The shades of evening fell. The tradition of 
how Joseph Wadsworth carried away and concealed the precious 
parchment has been told in the history of Massachusetts. AVhen 
the government of Andros was overthrown, Connecticut, with the 
other New England colonies, regained her liberty. 

19. In 1693 Governor Fletcher of New York went to Hartford 
to take command of the militia. He bore a commission from King 
William ; but by the terms of the charter the right of command- 
ing the troops was vested in the colony. Fletcher, however, 
ordered the soldiers under arms and proceeded to read his com- 
mission. "Beat the drums!" shouted Captain Wadsworth, who 
stood at the head of the company. "Silence!" said Fletcher; 
the drums ceased, and the reading began again. "Drum! drum!" 
cried Wadsworth ; and a second time the voice of the reader Avas 
drowned. "Silence!" shouted the governor. Wadsworth stepped 
before the ranks and said, "Colonel Fletcher, if I am interrupted 
again, I will let the sunshine through your body." That ended 
the controversy. Fletcher, thinking it better to be a living gov- 
ernor than a dead colonel, returned to New York. 

20. "I give these books for the founding of a college in this 
colony." Such were the words of ten ministers who, in 1700, 
assembled at Branford, near New Haven. Each of them, as he 
uttered the words, deposited a few volumes on the table where 
they were sitting ; such was the founding of Yale College. In 
1702 the school was opened at Saybrook, where it continued for 



126 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

fifteen years, and was then removed to New Haven. One of the 
most liberal patrons of the college was Elihu Yale, from whom 
the institution took its name. Common schools already existed in 
almost every village of Connecticut. 

21. The half century preceding the French and Indian war was 
a time of prosperity in the western parts of New England. Con- 
necticut was especially favored. Peace reigned throughout her 
borders. The farmer reaped his fields in cheerfulness and hoi)e. 
The mechanic made glad his dusty shop with anecdote and' song. 
The merchant feared no tariff, the villager no taxes. Want was 
unknown, and pauperism unheard of. With fewer dark pages in 
her history, Connecticut had all the lofty purposes and noble vir- 
tues of Massachusetts. 



Connecticut is granted to Warwick.— And transferred to Say-and-Seal.— Tlie 
Dutcli fortify Hartford.— The Puritans claim tlie country.— Found Windsor.— 
A colony leaves Boston.— Settles on the Connecticut.— Winthrop founds Say- 
brook.— The English control the river.— The Pequod War.— The Narragansetts 
make a treaty with the English.— The Pequods do likewise.- Violate the com- 
pact.— Attempt an alliance with the Narragansetts.— Williams defeats the 
project.— The Mohegans join the English.— A massacre at Wethersfield.— Mason 
is chosen to command.— A force is organized.— Proceeds against the Pequods.— 
And destroys the nation.— New Haven is founded.— The Bible for a constitu- 
tion.— Civil government begins.— Character of the laws.— Connecticut joins the 
Union.— Saybrook is annexed.— A treaty is made with Stuyvesant.— War with 
New Netherland is threatened.— King Charles is recognized.— Winthrop is sent 
to England.— Obtains a charter.— Returns.— Is chosen governor.— Growth of the 
colony.— Andros attempts to assume the government.— Is thwarted.— Returns.— 
Invades the assembly at Hartford.— The charter is saved.— Fletcher enters 
the colony.— Is baffled by Wadsworth.— Yale College is founded.— Development 
of the province. 



RHODE ISLAND. 127 



CHAPTER XXII. 
RHODE ISLAND, 

IN June of 1636, the exiled Roger Williams left the country of 
the Wampanoags and passed down the Seekonk to Narragan- 
sett River. With his five companions he landed on the western 
bank, purchased the soil of the Narragansetts, and laid the found- 
ations of Providence. Other exiles joined the company. New 
farms were laid out and new houses built. Here, at last, was 
found at Pkovidence Plantation a refuge for all the persecuted. 

2. The leader of the new colony was a native of Wales ; born 
in 1606 ; liberally educated at Cambridge. He had been the 
friend of Milton, and was a great hater of ceremonies. He had 
been exiled to Massachusetts, and was now exiled by Massachusetts. 
He brought to the banks of the Narragansett the great doctrines 
of religious liberty and the equal rights of men. 

3. Soon after arriving in Rhode Island, Williams conceived it 
to be his duty to receive a second baptism. But who should per- 
form the ceremony in that wilderness? Ezekiel Holliman, a lay- 
man, was selected for the sacred duty. Williams meekly received 
the rite at the hands of his friend, and then in turn baptized him 
and ten other exiles of the colony. Such was the organization of 
the first Baptist Church in America. 

4. The beginning of civil government in Rhode Island was 
equally simple. Mr. Williams was the natural ruler of the little 
province, but he reserved for himself no wealth, no privilege. 
The lands, purchased from Canonicus, were freely distributed 
among the colonists. Only two small fields were kept by the 
founder for himself. All the powers of the government were en- 
trusted to the people. A simple agreement was made by the set- 
tlers that in matters not affecting the conscience they w^ould yield 



128 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



obedience to such rules as the majority might make for the public 
good. In questions of religion the conscience should be to every 
man a guide. 

5. The new government stood the test of experience. Instead 

of turmoil and dis- 
sension, Providence 
Plantation had peace 
and quiet. It was 
found that all relig- 
ious sects could live 
together in harmony. 
Miantonomoh, chief 
of the Narragansetts, 
loved Koger Will- 
iams as a brother. 
It was his friendship 
that enabled Will- 
iams to notify Mass- 
achusetts of the Pe- 
quod conspiracy, and 
to defeat the plans 
of the hostile na- 
tion. This good deed 

TlIK OLD ST.)NE TOWER AT NEWPORT. iudUCCd Ws frlCUdS 

at Salem to make an effort to recall him from banishment; but 
his enemies prevented his return. 

6. During the Pequod war Rhode Island was protected by the Nar- 
ragansetts. In the year 1638, Mrs. Hutchinson and her friends arrived 
in Rhode Island. The leaders of the company were John Clarke 
and William Coddington. Roger Williams made haste to welcome 
them to his province. Governor Vane of Massachusetts prevailed 
upon Miantonomoh to make them a gift of Rhode Island. The 
hrst settlement was made at Portsmouth, in the northern part of 
the if^land. The Jewish nation furnished the model for the gov- 
ernment of the colony. William Coddington was chosen judge, 
and three elders were appointed to assist him. In the following 
year he took the title of governor, and the administration became 




RHODE ISLAND. 129 

more modern. At the same time a party of colonists removed to 
the south-western part of the island, and laid the foundations of 
Newport. In sight of this settlement, stood tlie old stone tower, 
a monument built by the Norsemen. 

7. In March of 1641, a public meeting was convened; the citi- 
zens came together on terms of equality, and the task of framing 
a constitution was undertaken. In three days the instrument Avas 
completed. The government was declared to be a "Democka- 
CIE." The supreme authority was lodged with the freemen of the 
island. The vote of the majority should always rule. No one 
should be distressed on account of religious doctrine. The little 
republic was named the Plantation of Rhode Island. 

8. In 1643 Providence and Rhode Island Avere refused admission 
into the Union of New England. Soon afterward Roger Williams 
was sent to London to procure a charter for the new colonies. On 
the 14th of March in the following year the patent was granted, 
and Rhode Island became an independent commonwealth. 

9. The new government was organized at Portsmouth, in 164T. 
A code of laws was framed, and a president and subordinate offi- 
cers were chosen. Four years afterward, William Coddington suc- 
ceeded in obtaining from the English council a decree by which 
the island of Rhode Island was separated from the common gov- 
ernment. But John Clarke and Roger Williams went to London 
and prevented the disunion. Williams was offered the governor- 
ship of the province ; but he refused the commission. 

10. Clarke remained in England to guard the interests of the 
colony. In 1660 Charles II. came home from his long exile. 
Rhode Island had accepted a charter from the Long Parliament, 
and it w^as doubtful whether the new king Avould renew it. The 
people had hardly the courage to plead for so great a fiivor. But 
the king and his minister assented ; and on the 8th of July, 1663, 
the charter was reissued. All the provisions of the old patent 
were renewed. On the 24th of November, the new charter was 
brought to Rhode Island and read aloud to the people. 

IL For nearly a quarter of a century Rhode Island prospered. 
The distresses of King Philip's War were forgotten. Roger Will- 
iams grew old and died. At last came Sir Edmund Andros, and 



130 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

demanded the surrender of the constitution of Rhode Island. 
The demand was evaded by Governor Clarke and the colonial as- 
sembly. But Andros repaired to Newport, dissolved the govern- 
ment, and broke the seal of the colony. Five councilors were 
appointed to control the affairs of the province, and the common- 
wealth seemed ruined. 

12. But the usurpation was as brief as it was shameful. In the 
spring of 1689, the news came to Rhode Island that Andros and his 
officers Avere prisoners at Boston. On May-day the people rushed 
to Newport and made a proclamation of their gratitude for the 
deliverance. An old Quaker, named Henry Bull, more than eighty 
years of age, was chosen governor. The aged veteran accepted the 
trust, and spent his last days in restoring the liberties of Rhode 
Island. 

13. Again the little State around the Bay of Narragansett was 
prosperous. For more than fifty years the peace of the colony was 
undisturbed. The principles of the illustrious founder became the 
principles of the commonwealth. The renown of Rhode Island 
has not been in vastness of territory, in mighty cities or victorious 
armies, but in devotion to truth, justice, and freedom. 



WiUiams founds Rhode Island.— Sketch of his Ufe.— The Baptist Church is 
organized.— Civil government begins.— Character of the institutions.— Mass- 
achusetts refuses to recall Williams.— A colony at Portsmouth.— The Jewish com- 
monwealth.— Newport is founded.— The Norse tower.— A democracy is estab- 
lished.— Rhode Island is rejected by the Union.— Williams procures a charter.— 
The Island of Rhode Island secedes.— Is reannexed.— Patriotism of Williams.— 
Charles II. reissues the charter.— Prosperity of Rhode Island.— Andros over- 
turns the government.— Is overthrown.— Henry Bull is governor. 



NEW HAMPSHIRE. 131 



CHAPTER XXIII. 
NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

IN 1622 the territory between the Merrimac and the Kennebec 
was granted by the council of Plymouth to Sir Ferdinand 
Gorges and John Mason. The proprietors made haste to secure 
their new domain by actual settlements. In the spring of 1623, 
two small companies of colonists were sent out by Mason and 
Gorges to people their province. One party of immigrants 
landed at Little Harbor, near Portsmouth, and began to build a 
village. The other company proceeded up stream and laid the 
foundations of Dover. With the exception of Plymouth and 
Weymouth, Portsmouth and Dover are the oldest towns in New 
England. But the progress of the settlements was slow ; for many 
years the two villages were only fishing stations. 

2. In 1629 the proprietors divided their dominions. Gorges re- 
taining the part north of the Piscataqua, and Mason taking the dis- 
trict between the Piscataqua and the Merrimac. In May of this 
year. Rev. John Wheelwright visited the Abenaki chieftains, and 
purchased their claims to the territory held by Mason ; but in the 
following November, Mason's title was confirmed by a second pat- 
ent; and the name of New Hampshire was given to the prov- 
ince. Very soon Massachusetts began to urge her rights to the 
district north of the Merrimac. 

3. In November of 1635, Mason died, and his widow undertook 
the government of the province. But after a few years the terri- 
tory was given up to the servants and dependents of the late 
proprietor. In this condition of affairs, John AVheelwright, with 
a small party of friends, repaired to the banks of the Piscataqua 
and founded the village of Exeter. The little colony was declared 
a republic, established on the principle of equal rights. 



132 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

4:. On the 14th of April, 1642, New Hampshire was united 
with Massachusetts. The law restricting the rights of citizenship 
to church members was not extended over the new province; for 
the people of Portsmouth and Dover belonged to the Church of 
England. New Hampshire was the only colony east of the Hudson 
not originally founded by the Puritans. 

5. The union continued in force until 1679. In the mean time, 
the heirs of Mason had revived the claim of the old proprietor. 
In 1677 a decision was given by the courts of England that the 
Masonian claims were invalid as to the civil jiirkdiction of New 
Hampshire, but valid as to the soil. On the 24th of July, 1679, 
New Hampshire was separated from the jurisdiction of Massachusetts 
and organized as a distinct royal province. Edward Cranfield 
was chosen governor. 

6. Before his arrival the sawyers and lumbermen of the Piscat- 
aqua convened a general assembly at Portsmouth. A resolution 
was passed by the representatives that no act, law, or ordinance, 
should be valid unless made by the assembly and approved by 
the people. When the king heard of this resolution, he declared 
it to be both wicked and absurd. 

7. In November of 1682, Cranfield dismissed the popular as- 
sembly. The excitement ran high. At Exeter the sheriff was 
beaten with clubs. The farmers' wives met the tax-gatherers 
with pailfulls of hot water. At the village of Hampton, Cran- 
field's deputy was led out of town with a rope around his neck. 
Cranfield, unable to collect his rents and vexed out of his witSj 
wrote to England begging for the privilege of going home. 

8. An effort was now made to restore New Hampshire to 
Massachusetts; but before this could be done the charter of the 
latter province had been taken away and Edmund Andros ap- 
pointed governor of New England. The colonies north of the 
Merrimac quietly yielded to his authority. But when he was im- 
prisoned by the citizens of Boston, the people of the northern 
towns also rose in rebellion. In 1690 New Hampshire was 
again annexed to Massachusetts. In August of 1692, this ac- 
tion was annulled, and the tw^o provinces were a second time 
separated, against the protests of the people. In 1698 New 



NEW HAMPSHIRE. I33 

Hampshire was attached to the government of the earl of Bello- 
mont. Afterward, for a period of forty-two years, the province 
was under the authority of Massachusetts. Not until 1741 was 
a final separation effected between the colonies north and south 
of the Merrimac. 

9. Meanwhile, the heirs of Mason had sold to Samuel Allen, 
of London, their title to New Hampshire. His son-in-law, named 
Usher, was appointed deputy governor. The new proprietor made 
an effort to enforce his claim, but was everywhere resisted. For 
many years the history of New Hampshire contains little else 
than a record of strifes and lawsuits. Finally, in 1715, the heirs 
of Allen abandoned their claim in despair. A few years after- 
ward one of the Masons discovered that the deed which his an- 
cestor had made to Allen was defective. The original Masonian 
patent was accordingly revived. In the final adjustment of this 
long-standing difficulty, the colonial authorities allowed the va- 
lidity of the old patent as to the unoccupied portions of the territory, 
and the Masons surrendered their claims to all the rest. 

10. Of all the colonies. New Hampshire suffered most from the 
Indian wars. Her settlements were constantly exposed to savage 
invasion. During King Philip's War the suffering along the 
frontier was very great. In the wars of William, Anne, and George, 
the province was visited with devastation and ruin. But in the 
intervals of peace the spirits of the people revived, and the 
hardy settlers returned to their wasted farms. Out of these con- 
flicts and trials came that sturdy race of pioneers who bore such 
a heroic part in the contests of after years. 



New Hampshire is colonized by Gorges and Mason.— The province is 
divided.— Wheelwright purchases the Indian title.— Mason's patent is con- 
firmed.— He dies.— Difficulties ensue.— Exeter is founded,— New Hampshire is 
united witli Massachusetts.— The Masonian claim is decided.— The two prov- 
inces are separated.— Cran field appointed governor.— A general assembly is 
convened.— The royal officers are resisted.— Andros assumes the government.— 
New Hampshire and Massachusetts are united.— Governed by Bellomont.— Fi- 
nally separated.— The Masonian claim again.— How decided.— Suffering of the 
colony in the Indian wars.— Character of the people. 



134 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



MIIS^OB MIDDLE C0L0:N^IES, 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

NEW JERSEY. 

THE history of New Jersey begins with the founding of Eliza- 
beth town, in 1664. As early as 1618, a trading-station had 
been established at Bergen ; but forty years passed before perma- 
nent dwellings were built in that neighborhood. In 1623 Fort 
Nassau was erected on the Delaware ; but after a few months. 
May and his companions abandoned the place and returned to 
New Amsterdam. 

2. The territory of New Jersey was included in the grant made 
to the duke of York. In 1664 that portion of the province lying 
between the Hudson and the Delaware, extending as far north as 
forty-one degrees and forty minutes, was assigned to Lord Berke- 
ley and Sir George Carteret. These noblemen adhered to the 
king's cause during the civil war in England, and were now re- 
warded with the gift of New Jersey. Just after the conquest, a 
company of Puritans made application to Governor Nicolls, and 
received a grant of land on Newark Bay. The Indian titles were 
purchased ; in the following October a village was begun and 
named Elizabethtown. 

3. In August of 1665, Philip Carteret arrived as governor. 
He was violently opposed by Nicolls, but could not be prevented 
from taking possession of the new settlements. Elizabethtown was 
made the capital of the colony ; Newark was founded ; flourish- 
ing hamlets appeared on the shores of the bay as far south as 
Sandy Hook. In honor of Sir George Carteret, who had been 
governor of the Isle of Jersey, his American domain was named 
New Jersey. 



NEW JERSEY. 135 

4. Berkeley and Carteret, though royalists, provided for their 
new State an excellent constitution. The government was made 
to consist of a governor, a council, and a popular legislative 
assembly. There should be no taxation unless levied by the 
representatives of the people. Difference of opinion should be 
respected, and freedom of conscience guaranteed to every citizen. 
The lands of the province were distributed to the settlers for a 
quit-rent of a half- penny per acre, not to be paid until 1670. 

5. In 1668 the first assembly convened at Elizabeth town. The 
representatives were Puritans, and the laws of New England were 
impressed on the legislation of the colony. Affairs went well until 
1670, w^hen the quit-rents fell due. The colonists, in the mean 
time, had purchased their lands of the Indians, and the collection 
of the rents was resisted. The colony became a scene of strife 
and revolution. In May of 1672, the colonial assembly deposed 
the governor, and chose James Carteret in his place. 

6. After the conquest of New York by the Dutch and the 
restoration of the province to England, the duke of York re- 
ceived from the king a second patent for the country between the 
Connecticut and the Delaware. At the same time he confirmed 
his former grant of New Jersey to Berkeley and Carteret. But 
soon afterward Sir Edmund Andros was appointed royal governor 
of the whole country. Carteret defended his claim against An- 
dros; but Berkeley sold his interest in New Jersey to John Fen- 
wick, to be held in trust for Edward Byllinge. 

7. In 1675 Philip Carteret resumed the government of the 
province. Andros opposed him in every act, and kept the 
colony in an uproar. Finally he arrested Carteret and brought 
him to New York for trial. Meanwhile, Byllinge made an as- 
signment of his property to Gawen Laurie, Nicholas Lucas, and 
William Penn. 

8. These men were Quakers. Here, then, was an opportunity 
to establish an asylum for the persecuted Friends. Penn and his 
associates applied to Sir George Carteret for a division of the 
province. It was accordingly agreed to divide New Jersey so 
that Carteret's district should be separated from that of the 
Quakers. The line of division was drawn from the southern 



136 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



point of land on the east side of Little Egg Harbor to a point 
on the Delaware in the latitude of forty-one degrees and forty 

minutes. The territory 
lying east of this line re- 
mained to Sir George as 
sole proprietor, and was 
named East Jersey; 
while that portion lying 
between the line and the 
Delaware was called West 
Jersey, and passed under 
the control of Penn. 

9. Early in the follow- 
ing March, the Quaker pro- 
prietors published a code 
of laws called The Con- 
cessions. For every thing 
was concedal to the people. 
The constitution rivaled 
the charter of Connecticut 
in the liberality of its 
principles. The authors 
of the instrument then ad- 
dressed the Quakers of 
England, recommending 
the province and inviting 
immigration. 

10. The invitation was 
not in vain. Before the 

end of the year a colony of more than four hundred Friends 
found homes in West Jersey. When the emigrant ships arrived 
in the Delaware, the agent of Andros at New Castle obliged them 
to pay duties 1)efore proceeding. But Sir William Jones decided 
that the duke of York had no right to collect taxes in the 
country of the Delaware. All claims to West Jersey were ac- 
cordingly withdrawn ; and the Quaker colonists were left in the 
enjoyment of independence. An effort was now made by the 




EAST ANB WEST JERSEY, 1677. 



NEW JERSEY. I37 

proprietors of East Jersey to secure a deed of release from the 
duke of York. The petition was granted, and the whole ter- 
ritory was freed from foreign authority. 

11. In November of 1681, Jennings, the deputy-governor of 
West Jersey, convened the first general assembly. The Quakers 
now met together to make their own laws. The Concessions 
were reaffirmed. Men of all races and religions were declared 
to be equal. Imprisonment for debt was forbidden. The sale of 
ardent spirits to the Red men was prohibited. Taxes should 
be voted by the representatives of the people. The lands of 
the Indians should be acquired by purchase. Finally, a crim- 
inal might be pardoned by the person against whom the offense 
was committed. 

12. In 1682 William Penn and eleven other Friends purchased 
the province of East Jersey. Robert Barclay, of Scotland, author 
of the book called Barclay's Apology, was appointed governor for 
life. The whole of Ne\v Jersey was now held by the Friends. 
The administration of Barclay was noted for a large immigration 
of Scotch Quakers who came to find freedom in East Jersey. 

13. In 1685 James 11. appointed Edmund Andros royal gov- 
ernor of the colonies from Maine to Delaware. In 1688 the 
Jerseys were brought under his jurisdiction. When the news 
came of the abdication of the English monarch, Andros could do 
nothing but surrender to the indignant people. His imprisonment 
at Boston has already been narrated. 

14. But the condition of New Jersey was deplorable. It w^as 
almost impossible to tell to whom the territory rightfully be- 
longed. From 1689 to 1692 there was no settled government 
in the territory ; and for ten years thereafter the people were 
vexed with more rulers than any one colony could accommodate. 
Finally, in April of 1702, all proprietary claims being waived 
in favor of the king, the territory between the Hudson and the 
Delaware became a royal province. 

15. New Jersey was now attached to the government of Lord 
Cornbury of New^ York, But each province retained its own 
legislative assembly and a distinct organization. This method of 
government continued for thirty-six years, and was then ended by 



138 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the action of the people. In 1728 the representatives of New 
Jersey sent a petition to George 11. , praying for a separation of 
the two colonies. Ten years later the effort was renewed and 
brought to a successful issue. New Jersey was made independ- 
ent, and Lewis Morris received a commission as royal governor 
of the 23rovince. 

16. The people of New Jersey were but little disturbed by the 
uccessive Indian wars. The native tribes on this part of the 
American coast were weak and timid. The province is specially 
interesting as being the point where the civilization of New Eng- 
land blended with the civilization of the South. Here the insti- 
tutions and laws of the Pilgrims were modified by contact with 
the habits and opinions of the people who came with Gosnold 
and Smith. The line between East and West Jersey is also the 
line between the Puritans of Massachusetts and the cavaliers of 
Virginia. Along this dividing line came the followers of Penn 
to subdue ill-will and make a Union possible. 



Early settlements in New Jersey.— At Bergen.— And Fort Nassau.— The prov- 
ince is given to Berkeley and Carteret.— Nicolls makes a grant to Puritans.— 
Elizabethtown is founded.— Nicolls contends with the Carterets.— The pro- 
prietors frame a constitution.— Character of the laws.— The quit-rents.— The 
colonists resist payment.— Philip Carteret is deposed.— James Carteret becomes 
governor.— New Jersey is retaken by Holland.— And again ceded to England.— 
The Duke of York renews his charter.— Andros governor.— Carteret resists.— 
Berkeley sells West Jersey to Fenwick.— Disputes of Carteret and Andros.— 
Laurie, Lucas and Penn buy West Jersey,— New Jersey is divided.— The pro- 
prietoi'S issue the Concessions.— The Quakers colonize West Jersey.— The Duke 
of York claims the country.— Sir William Jones decides against him.— An- 
dros's claim is annulled.— The Quakers frame a constitution.— East Jersey is 
jjurchased by the Friends.— Barclay is governor.— The two Jerseys submit to 
Andros.— Regain their liberties.— Conflicting claims.— The proprietoi-s sur- 
render their rights to the Crown.— New Jersey becomes a royal province.— Is 
attached to New York under Cornbury.— The peoi^le petition for a separation.— 
Morris becomes governor.— New Jersey not injured by Indian wars. 



r^NJS'SYLVANIA. 139 



CHAPTER XXV. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

rpHE Quakers were greatly encouraged with the success of their 
-1 colonies in New Jersey. For more than a quarter of a century 
they had been buffeted with j^ersecutions. But imprisonment and 
exile had not abated their zeal. The benevolent spirit of Penn 
urged him to find for his people an asylum in the New World. 
In June of 1680, he appealed to King Charles for the privilege 
of founding a Quaker commonwealth in America. 

2. The petition was heard with favor. On the 5th of March, 
1681, a charter was granted by Charles II., and William Penn 
l^ecame the proprietor of Pennsylvania. The vast domain em- 
braced under the new patent was bounded on the east by the 
Delaware, extended north and south over three degrees of latitude, 
and westward through five degrees of longitude. The three coun- 
ties of Delaware were reserved for the duke of York. 

3. In consideration of this grant, Penn relinquished a claim of 
sixteen thousand pounds against the British government. He 
declared that his object was to found a free commonwealth, with- 
out respect to the color, race or religion of the inhabitants. One 
of his first acts was to address a letter to the Swedes in his prov- 
ince, telling them to keep their homes, and fear no oppression. 

4. Within a month from the date of his charter, Penn pubhshed 
a glowing account of his new country, })romising freedom of con- 
science, and inviting emigration. During the summer three ship- 
loads of Quakers left England for the land of promise. William 
Markham, the deputy-go vei-nor of the province, was instructed by 
Penn to deal justly with all men, and to make friends of the In- 
dians. In October the proprietor sent a letter to the natives, 
assuring them of his brotherly affectiou. 



140 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



5. During the winter of 1681-82, Penn drew up a constitution 
for his people. In the meantime, the duke of York had surren- 
dered his claim to the three counties on the Delaware. The 
wliole country on the west bank of the river, from Cape Henlopen 

to the forty- 
third degree 
of latitude, 
was now 
transferred 
t o P e n n . 
The sum- 
mer of 1682 
was spent 
in further 
preparation. 
The propri- 
etor wrote 
a letter of 
farewell to 
the Friends 
in England; 
embarked 
with a large 
company of 
emigrants; 
and on the 
27th of Oc- 
tober, land- 
ed at New Castle, where the people were waiting to receive him. 

6. William Penn was born on the 14th of October, 1644. 
He was the oldest son of Sir AVilliam Penn of the British navy. 
x\t the age of twelve he was sent to the University of Oxford, 
where he distinguished himself as a student until he was expelled 
on account of his religion. Afterward he traveled oil the Conti- 
nent, and then became a student of law at London. For a while 
he was a soldier, and was tlien converted to the Quaker faith. 
His father drove him out of doors, but he was not to be turned 




WILLIAM PENN. 



PENNSYLVANIA. 141 

from his course. He proclaimed the doctrines of the Friends ; 
was arrested and imprisoned, first in the Tower of London, and 
afterward at Newgate. Despairing of toleration in England, he 
cast his gaze across the Atlantic. West Jersey was purchased; 
Pennsylvania was granted by King Charles; and now Penn himself 
arrived in America to found a government on the basis of peace. 

7. The Quaker governor delivered an affectionate address to the 
crowd of Swedes, Dutch, and English who came to greet him. 
His pledges of a liberal government were renewed, and the people 
were exhorted to sobriety and honesty. Penn then ascended 
the. Delaware to Chester; visited West Jersey; and spent some 
time at New York. In a few weeks he returned to his own 
province and began his duties as chief magistrate. 

8. Friendly relations were established between the Friends and 
Eed men. A great conference, appointed with the sachems of the 
neighboring tribes, was held on the banks of the Delaware. Penn 
declared his brotherly affection for the Indians. Standing before 
them, clad in the simple garl3 of the Quakers, he said: *'M\ 
Friends: We have met on the broad pathway of good faith. 
We are all one flesh and blood. Being brethren, no advantage 
shall be taken on either side. When disputes arise, we will settle 
them in council. Between us there shall be nothing but openness 
and love." The chiefs replied: "While the rivers run and the 
sun shines we will live in peace with the children of William 
Penn." And the treaty was sacredly kept. The Quaker iiat and 
coat proved to be a better defence than coat-of-mail ivnd musket. 

9. In December, 1682, a general convention was held at Chester. 
The object was to complete the territorial legislation. After the 
session, Penn repaired to the Chesapeake to confer with Lord Balt- 
imore about the boundaries of their provinces. After a month's 
absence he returned to Chester and drew a map of his proposed 
capital. The neck of land between the Schuylkill and the Dela- 
ware was purchased of the Swedes. In February of 1683, the 
native chestnuts, walnuts and ashes were blazed to indicate the 
lines of the streets, and Philadelphia Avas founded. Within a 
month a general assembly was in session at the new capital. A 
democratic form of government was adopted. The officers were the 



142 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




AND 

WClNlTV 



governor, a council consisting of members chosen for three years, 
and a popular assembly, to be annually elected. The right of veto- 
ing objectionable acts of the council was left in the hands of Penn. 
10. The growth of Philadelphia was astonishing. In 1683 there 

were only three or four houses. 
The ground-squirrels still 
lived in their burrows, and 
the wild deer ran through the 
town. In 1685 the city con- 
tained six hundred houses; 
the schoolmaster had come 
and the printing-press had 
begun its work. In another 
year Philadelphia had out- 
grown New York. In Au- 
gust of 1684, Penn took 
leave of his colony, and sailed 
for England. 

11. Nothing occurred to 
disturb the peace of Pennsylvania until the secession of Delaware 
in 1691. The three lower counties, which had been united on 
terms of equality with the six counties of Pennsylvania, became 
dissatisfied with some acts of the assembly and insisted on a separa- 
tion. The proprietor gave consent; Delaware withdrew from the 
union and received a separate deputy-governor. 

12. For hi* adherence to the cause of King James II., Penn 
was several times imprisoned. In 1692 his proprietary rights were 
taken away, and the government of Pennsylvania was transferred 
to Fletcher of New York. In the following year, Delaware shared 
the same fate; all the provinces between Connecticut and Maryland 
were consolidated under Fletcher's aifthority. But the suspicions 
against Penn's loyalty were found to be groundless, and he Avas 
restored to his rights. 

13. In December of 1699, Penn visited his American com- 
monwealth. He found the lower counties in a state of hostility 
to the assembly. In order to restore peace, the proprietor 
drew up another constitution, more liberal than the first. But 



.ADKLPIIIA AND VICINITY. 



PENNSYL VANIA. 1 43 

Delaware would not accept the new frame of government. In 1702 
the assemblies of the two provinces sat apart; and in the follow- 
ing year Delaware and Pennsylvania were finally separated. 

14. In the winter of 1701, Penn returned to England. The 
ministers had now formed the design of establishing royal govern- 
ments in all the colonies. The presence of Penn was required in 
England in order to prevent the success of the scheme. After 
much controversy his rights were fully recognized. In July of 
1718, the founder of Pennsylvania sank to rest. His estates, vast 
and valuable, were bequeathed to his three sons, John, Thomas 
and Richard. By them, or their deputies, Pennsylvania was gov- 
erned until the American Revolution. In the year 1779, the claims 
of the Penn family were purchased by the legislature of Pennsyl- 
vania for a hundred and thirty thousand pounds. 

15. The colonial history of the State founded by Penn is one 
of special interest and pleasure. It is a narrative of the victories of 
peace, and of the triumph of peaceful principles over violence and 
wrong. It is doubtful whether the history of any other colony in 
the world is touched with so many traits of innocence and truth. 
'*I will found a free colony for all mankind," were the words of 
William Penn. How well his work was done shall be told when 
the bells of his capital city shall ring out the glad notes of Amer- 
ican Independence. 



I 



:EL:Eaj^:E'xmjXjj^i:xo2sr. 

The Friends are persecvited in Europe.— Penn designs to plant a Quaker State 
in America.— Cliarles II. grants the cliarter of Pennsylvania.— Penn i-elin- 
quishes his claims on the British government.— Declares his purposes.— Invites 
emigration.— A colony departs under Markham.— The Indians are assured 
of friendship.— Penn frames a constitution.— The Duke of York surrenders 
Delaware.— Extent of Penn's dominion.— He leaves England with a colony.— 
Sketch of his life.— He addresses the people at New Castle.— Visits New York.- 
Makes the great treaty with the Indians.— A convention is held at Chester.- 
A constitution is adopted.— Penn visits Lord Baltimore.— Philadelphia ls 
founded.— Growth of the city.— Penn sails for England.— Delaware secedes.— 
Penn adheres to James II.— Is imprisoned.— His province is taken away.— But 
restored.— Penn revisits America.— The constitution is modified.— Delaware is 
separated.— Penn returns to England.— Dies.— His sons become proprietors 
of Pennsylvania.— The province is purchased by the legislature. 



mi:n^or souther:?^ colois^ies. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

MARYLAND. 

CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH was the first white man to explore 
the Chesapeake. In 1621, William Clayborne, an English 
surveyor, was sent out by the London Company to make a map 
of the country around the bay. By the second charter of Vir- 
ginia that province included all of the present State of Mary- 
land. To explore and occupy the country was an enterprise of 
the highest importance to the Virginians. 

2. In May of 1631, Clayborne was authorized to survey the 
country as far north as the forty-first degree of latitude, and to 
establish a trade with the Indians. This commission was con- 
firmed by Governor Harvey of Virginia, and in the spring of 
1632 Clayborne began his important work. 

3. The enterprise was attended with success. A trading-post 
was established on Kent Island, and another near Havre de 
Grace. The Chesapeake was explored and a trade opened with 
the natives. The limits of Virginia were about to be extended 
to the borders of New Netherland. But in the mean time, relig- 
ious persecutions were preparing the way for the foundation of 
a new State in the wilderness. Sir George Calvert, a Catholic 
nobleman of Yorkshire, better known by his title of Lokd Bal- 
timore, was destined to become the founder. 

4. King James, Avho was not unfriendly to the Catholics, first 
granted to Sir George a patent for the southern part of New- 
foundland, and here, in 1623, a colony was established. But 
it soon became evident that the settlement must be removed, 
and Lord Baltimore turned his attention to the Chesapeake. 

(U4) 



MARYLAND. 



145 



5. In 1629 he made a visit to Virginia. The general assembly 
offered him citizenship, but required such an oath of allegiance as 
no honest Catholic could take. Lord Baltimore thereupon left the 
narrow-minded legislators ; returned to London ; drew up a charter 
for a new State on 
the Chesapeake; 
and induced King 
Charles to sign it. 

6. The bounda- 
ries of Sir George's 
province may be 
learned by an ex- 
amination of Map 
II. The provisions 
of the charter were 
ample. No prefer- 
ence was given to 
any particular relig- 
ion. The lives and 
property of the colo- 
nists were carefully 
guarded. Arbitrary 
taxation was forbid- 
den. The power of 
making the laws was conceded to the freemen of the colouy. 

7. Before the patent could receive the seal of state, Sir George 
Calvert died. His title descended to his son Cecil ; and to him, 
on the 20th of June, 1632, the charter was issued. In honor of 
Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I., the name of Maryland was 
conferred on the new province. It only remained for the younger 
Lord Baltimore to raise a comjoany of emigrants and carry out 
his father's designs. In the fall of 1633, a colony numbering two 
hundred persons was collected. Leonard Calvert, a brother of 
Cecil, was appointed to accompany the colonists to America. 

8. In March of 1634, the immigrants arrived at Old Point 
Comfort. They proceeded up the bay and ascended the Poto- 
mac to the mouth of Piscataway Creek. A conference was held 




LORD BALTIMORE. 



146 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

with the chiefs of an Indian village, who told Calvert that he 
and his colony might stay or go just as they pleased. Consider- 
ing this answer as a threat, Calvert again embarked, and dropped 
down stream to the mouth of the St. Mary's. Finding a half 
deserted Indian village, the English moved into the vacant huts. 
The rest of the town was purchased ; and the name of St. 
Mary's was given to the colony. 

9. Friendly relations were established with the natives. The 
Indian women taught the wives of the English how to make 
corn-bread, and the warriors instructed the colonists in the art 
of hunting. There was neither anxiety nor want in the colony. 
Within six months the settlement had grown into greater pros- 
perity than Jamestown had reached in as many years. 

10. In February of 1635, a general assembly was convened and 
the work of legislation begun. Soon the province was involved in 
difficulty. For Clayborne, with his companions on Kent Island, 
resisted Lord Baltimore's authority. In 1637, a bloody skirmish 
occurred on the eastern shore of the bay. Several lives were 
lost, but Clayborne's followers were defeated. Calvert's forces 
overpowered the settlement on Kent Island and executed one or 
two of the rebels. Clayborne escaped into Virginia, and the gov- 
ernor sent him to England for trial. There he appealed to the 
king. The cause was heard by Parliament, and it was decided 
that his commission was null and void. 

11. In 1639 a representative government was established in 
Maryland. Hitherto a system of democracy had prevailed ; each 
freeman had been allowed a vote in determining the laws. When 
the new delegates came together, a declaration of rights was 
adopted. All the liberal principles of the colonial patent were re- 
affirmed. The rights of citizenship were declared to be the same 
with those of the people of England. 

12. In 1642 Indian hostilities were begun on the Potomac. But 
the settlements of Maryland were compact, and no great suffering 
was occasioned. In 1644 the savages agreed to bury the hatchet 
and to renew the pledges of friendship. Hardly, however, had 
the echo of war died away, when the colony was troubled by 
the return of its old enemy — Clayborne. 



MARYLAND. 147 

13. Arriving in the province in 1644, he began to tell the law- 
less spirits of the colony that they were wronged and oppressed by 
the government. An insurrection broke out. The government of 
Calvert was overthrown, and the governor obliged to fly to Vir- 
ginia. Clayborne seized the records of Maryland, and destroyed 
them. For more than a year the colony was controlled by the 
insurgents. Soon, however, Calvert collected troops, defeated the 
rebels, and in 1646 restored his authority. 

14. In 1650 the legislature of Maryland was divided into two 
branches. The rights of Lord Baltimore were defined by law. 
An act was passed declaring that no taxes should be levied with- 
out the consent of the assembly. Such was the condition of affairs 
in the colony when the commonwealth was established in England. 

15. In 1651 parliamentary commissioners came to America to 
assume control of Maryland. Stone, the deputy of Baltimore, 
was deposed from office ; but in the following year he was per- 
mitted to resume the government. In April of 1653 he published 
a proclamation declaring that the recent interference had been 
a rebellion. Clayborne thereupon collected a force in Virginia, 
drove Stone out of office, and directed the government himself. 

16. In 1654 a Protestant assembly was convened at Patuxent. 
The supremacy of Cromwell was acknowledged, and the Catholics 
were deprived of the protection of the laws. Civil war ensued. 
Governor Stone armed the militia, and seized the records of the 
colony. A battle was fought near Annapolis, and the Catholics 
were defeated, with a loss of fifty men. Stone was taken prisoner, 
but was saved from death by the friendship of some of the in- 
surgents. Three of the Catholics were tried and executed. 

17. In 1656 Josias Fendall was sent out as governor of the 
province. For two years the government was divided, the Cath- 
olics exercising authority at St. Mary's, and the Protestants at 
Leonardstown. In 1658 a compromise was effected; Fendall was 
acknowledged as governor, and the acts of the Protestant assembly 
were recognized as valid. 

18. After the death of Cromwell, Maryland was declared inde- 
pendent. On the 12th of March, 1660, the rights of Lord Baltimore 
were set aside, and the whole power of government was assumed 

10 



148 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

by the House of Burgesses. On the restoration of monarchy the 
Baltimores were again recognized, and Philip Calvert was sent out 
as governor. Fendall had resigned his trust and accepted an elec- 
tion by the people. He was now condemned on a charge of 
treason. Lord Baltimore, however, proclaimed a general pardon. 

19. From 1675 to 1691, Charles Calvert was governor of Mary- 
land. Only once during this period was the happiness of the 
colony disturbed. After the abdication of James II., the deputy 
of Lord Baltimore hesitated to acknowledge William and Mary. 
A rumor was spread abroad that the Catholics had leagued with 
the Indians to destroy the Protestants. In 1689 the Catholic party 
was compelled to surrender the government. For two years the 
Protestants held the province, and exercised civil authority. 

20, On the 1st of June, 1691, the charter of Lord Baltimore 
was taken away, and a royal governor appointed. Sir Lionel 
Copley received a commission, and assumed the government in 
1692. The Episcopal Church was established by law. Religious 
toleration was abolished and the government administered on 
despotic principles. This condition of affairs continued until 1715, 
when Queen Anne restored the heir of Lord Baltimore to the 
riglits of his ancestor. Maryland remained under the authority of 
the Calverts until the Revolution. 



Clayborne explores the Chesapeake.— EsUiblishes trading-posts. — Sir George 
Calvert plans a colony,— Sends a company to Newfoundland.— Goes to Vir- 
ginia.— Returns to England.— Obtains a charter,— Character of the patent.— 
Calvert dies,— Sir Cecil succeeds him, -The name of Maryland.— A colony is 
sent out under Leonard Calvert.— Founds St, Mary's,— Friendly relations with 
the Indians,- -Growth of the colony.— An assembly is convened.— Clayborne's 
insurrection. -He escapes into Virginia,— Is sent to England,— Representative 
government established.— An Indian war breaks out,— Clayborne leads a second 
insurrection,— Overthrows the government.— The rebellion is suppressed.— Di- 
vision of the legislature,— Commissioners are appointed by Parliament,— Dis- 
sensions of Stone and Clayborne,— The civil war,— Fendall's rebellion,— Mary- 
land declares independence.— Fendall is condemned.— Charles Calvert is gover- 
nor,— The Protestants gain control of the State,— Maryland a royal province.— 
The heir of Baltimore regains his rights.— The Calverts rule the colony. 



NORTH CAROLINA. 149 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

NORTH CAROLINA. 

THE first effort to colonize North Carolina was made by Sir 
Walter Raleigh. In 1630 the country was granted to Sir 
Robert Heath. But after thirty-three years, the patent was re- 
voked by the English king. The name of Carolina had been 
given to the country by John Ribault in 1562. 

2. In the year 1622, the country was explored by Pory. Twenty 
years later a company of Virginians on the lower Roanoke estab- 
lished a trade with the natives. The first actual settlement was 
made on the Chowan about the year 1651. In 1661 a company 
of Puritans settled on Oldtown Creek. In 1663 Lord Clarendon, 
and seven other noblemen, received a grant of all the country 
between the thirty-sixth parallel and the river St. John's. 

3. In the same year William Drummond was chosen governor 
by the settlers on the Chowan, and the name of Albemarle 
County Colony was given to the district. In 1665 the Puritan 
colony on Cape Fear River was broken up by the Indians; but 
soon afterward the territory was purchased by a company of 
planters from Barbadoes. A new county named Clarendon 
was laid out, and Sir John Yeamans elected governor. 

4. The work of preparing a frame of government for the new 
province was assigned to Sir Ashley Cooper. The philosopher 
John Locke was employed by him and his associates to prepare 
the constitution. From March until July of 1669, Locke worked 
away in drawing up a plan which he called The Grand Model. 
It contained a hundred and twenty articles; and this was but the 
beginning! The empire of Carolina was divided into districts of 
four hundred and eighty thousand acres each. The offices were 
divided between two grand orders of nobility. 



150 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

5. All attempts to establish the new government ended in fail- 
ure. But the settlers of Albemarle and Clarendon had mean- 
while learned to govern themselves. They grew prosperous by 
trading in staves and furs ; and when this traffic was exhausted, 
began to remove to other settlements. In 1671 Governor Yea- 
mans was transferred to the new colony on Ashley River, and the 
whole county of Clarendon was surrendered to the natives. 

6. The people of the colony were greatly oppressed with taxes. 
The trade with New England alone was weighed down with an 
annual duty of twelve thousand dollars. A gloomy opposition to 
the government prevailed ; and when, in 1676, large numbers of 
refugees from Virginia arrived in Carolina, the discontent was 
kindled into an insurrection. The people seized Governor Miller 
and his council, and established a new government of their own. 
John Culpepper, the leader of the insurgents, was chosen gov- 
ernor. In 1679 Miller and his associates escaped from confine- 
ment and went to London. Governor Culpepper, who followed to 
defend himself, was seized, indicted for treason, tried and ac- 
quitted. 

7. In 1680 Seth Sothel was sent out by the proprietors as gov- 
ernor of the province. In crossing the ocean he was captured by 
pirates, and did not arrive in Carolina until 1683. After five 
years of tyranny, the base, bad man was overthrown in an insur- 
rection. Finding himself a prisoner, he begged to be tried by the 
assembly of the province. The request was granted, and the cul- 
prit escaped with less punishment than he deserved. 

8. Sothel was succeeded by Ludwell, who arrived in 1689. His 
administration was a period of peace. In 1695 came Sir John 
Archdale. Then followed the administration of Governor Walker; 
then, in 1704, the attempt of Robert Daniel to establish the 
Church of England. In the mean time new settlers came from' 
Virginia and Maryland — Quakers came from New England, Hu- 
guenots from France, and peasants from Switzerland. 

9. The Indians of North Carolina gradually wasted away. 
Some of the nations were already extinct. The lands of the 
savages had passed to the whites, sometimes by purchase, some- 
times by fraud. Of all the tribes of the Carolinas only the 



NORTH CAROLINA. 151 

Corees and the Tuscaroras were still formidable. These grew 
jealous aijd went to war with the whites. 

10. On the night of the 22d of September, 1711, the savages 
rose upon the scattered settlements, and murdered a hundred 
and thirty persons. Civil dissensions prevented the authorities 
from adopting vigorous measures of defence. But Colonel Barn- 
well came from South Carolina with a company of militia and 
friendly Indians ; and the savages were driven into their fort. A 
treaty of peace was made ; but Barnwell's men, on their way home- 
ward, sacked an Indian village, and the war was at once renewed. 

11. In the next year, Colonel Moore of South Carolina arrived 
with a regiment of whites and Indians, and the Tuscaroras were 
pursued to their fort on Cotentnea Creek. This place was carried 
by assault. Eight hundred warriors were taken prisoners. The 
power of the hostile nation was broken ; and the Tuscaroras, 
abandoning their hunting-grounds, marched across Virginia, Mary- 
land, and Pennsylvania, joined their kinsmen, of New York, and 
became the sixth nation of the Iroquois. 

12. In 1729 a separation was effected between the two Caro- 
linas, and a royal governor was appointed over each. In spite of 
many reverses, the northern colony had greatly prospered. Intel- 
lectual development had not been- as rapid as the growth in num- 
bers and wealth. Little attention had been given to questions 
of relio-ion. There was no minister in the province until 1703. 
Two years later the first church was built. The printing-press 
did not begin its work until 1754. But the people were brave 
and patriotic. They loved their country, and called it the Land 
OF Summer. 



The name of Carolina.-Early explorations.-The countiy is granted to Clar- 
endon and others.- AU:.emarle and Clarendon colonies are founded.-Cooper and 
Locke frame the Grand Model.— Clarendon county is abandoned.— The proprie- 
tors oppress the colonists.- A rebellion ensues. -Governor Culpepper goes to 
England.- Sothel is sent out as governor.— He is overthrown.-Ludwell suc- 
ceedH.— And then Walker.— The colony prospers.— Decline of the Indian tribes.— 
A war breaks out.-Barnwell's expedition.- Peace.-And war again.-Moore in- 
vades the country of the Tuscaroras.— The savages are beaten.— The nation is 
divided.— The Tuscarora migration.— Division of the Carolinas.— Character of 
the people. 



152 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

SOUTH CAROLINA. 

IN January of 1670, the proprietors of Carolina sent out a 
colony under command of Joseph West and William Sayle. 
The new emigrants reached the mainland in the country of the 
Savannah. The vessels first anchored near the site of Beaufort. 
But the colonists, dissatisfied with the appearance of the country, 
sailed northward along the coast, and entered the mouth of Ashley 
River. On the first high land upon the southern bank were laid 
the foundations of Old Charleston, named in honor of Charles II. 

2. Sayle had been commissioned as governor of the colony. 
The settlers soon organized a little government on the principles 
of common sense. Five councilors were elected by the people, 
and five others appointed by the proprietors. Twenty delegates, 
composing a house of representatives, were chosen by the colonists. 
Within two years the government was firmly established. 

3. In 1671 Governor Sayle died, and West assumed the duties 
of the vacant office. In a few months Sir John Yeamans, who 
had been governor of the northern province, was commissioned 
as chief magistrate of the southern colony. He brought with 
him to Ashley River a cargo of African slaves. Thus the labor 
of the black man was substituted for the labor of the white man, 
and in less than two years slavery was firmly esta])lished. The 
importation of negroes went on so rapidly that they soon out- 
numbered the whites as two to one. 

4. During the year 1671, the country was rapidly filled Avith 
people. Fertile lands were abundant. AVars and pestilence had 
almost destroyed the native tribes. The proprietors of Carolina 
sent several ships to New York, loaded them with the discon- 
tented people of that province, and brought them to Charleston. 



SOUTH CAROLINA. 153 

Charles II. collected a compauy of Protestant refugees in Europe, 
and sent them to Carolina to introduce the silk-worm and to 
cultivate the grape. 

5. In 1680 the present city of Charleston was founded. Thirty 
dwellings were erected during the first summer. The village im- 
mediately became the capital of the colony. The unhealthy 
climate retarded the progress of the new town, but the people 
were full of life and enterprise. 

6. Soon a war broke out with the Nestoes, who lived in the 
neighborhood of Charleston. Scenes of violence occurred on the 
border, and a bounty was offered for every captured Indian. 
When the warriors were taken they were sold as slaves for the 
West Indies. The strife continued for a year, and was then con- 
cluded with a treaty of peace. 

7. England, France, Scotland and Ireland all sent colonies to 
South Carolina. Especially did the French Huguenots come in 
great numbers ; for they were now persecuted in their own country. 
They were met by the proprietors with a promise of citizenship; 
but the promise was not well kept ; for the general assembly 
claimed the right of fixing the conditions of naturalization. Not 
until 1697 were all discriminations against the French immigrants 
removed. 

8. In 1686 came James Colleton as governor. He began his 
administration with an attempt to establish the constitution pre- 
pared by Locke. Soon the colony was in a state of rebellion. 
The militia was called out and the province declared under mar- 
tial law. But the people were only the more exasperated. In 
1689 William and Mary were proclaimed as sovereigns, and Col- 
leton was banished from the province. 

9. Seth Sothel now repaired to Charleston and assumed the 
government. For a while he induced the people to sustain his 
authority. But after a turbulent rule of two years, he too was 
driven away. One bright page redeems the record of his admin- 
istration. In May of 1691 equal rights were granted to the 
Huguenots. Philip Ludwell spent a year in a well-meant effort 
to administer the government ; but the people were fixed in their 
dislike of the constitution, and Ludwell returned to Virginia. 



154 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

10. Ill April of 1693, the proprietors of Carolina annulled the 
Grand Model, and Thomas Smith was appointed governor. He 
was soon superseded by John Archdale, a distinguished Quaker, 
under whose administration the colony entered upon a new career 
of prosperity. The quit-rents on lands were remitted for four 
years. The Indians were conciliated with kindness, and the Hu- 
guenots 23rotected in their rights. It was a real misfortune when, 
in 1698, the good governor was recalled to England. 

11. James Moore was next commissioned as chief magistrate. 
The first important act of his administration was a declaration of 
war against the Spaniards of St. Augustine. It was voted to 
raise and equip a force of twelve hundred men, and to invade 
Florida by land and water. In September of 1702, two expedi- 
tions departed, the land-forces led by Colonel Daniel and the 
fleet commanded by the governor. 

12. The English vessels sailed to the St. John's. Daniel 
marched overland and captured St. Augustine. But the Span- 
iards withdrew without serious loss into the castle. Without ar- 
tillery the place could not be taken. Two Spanish men-of-war 
appeared at the mouth of the St. John's, and the English ships 
were blockaded. Governor Moore, collecting his forces, hastily 
retreated into Carolina. The only results of the unfortunate ex- 
pedition were debt and paper money. 

13. In December of 1705, the governor led an exioedition 
against the Indians. On the 14th of the month the invaders 
reached a fortified town near St. Mark's. The place was carried 
by assault, and more than two hundred prisoners were taken. 
On the next day Moore's forces defeated a large body of Indians 
and Spaniards. Five towns were carried in succession, and the 
English flag was borne to the Gulf of Mexico. 

14. In the first year of Governor Johnson's administration, an 
act was passed disfranchising all dissenters from the English 
Church, but Parliament voted that the act was contrary to the 
laws of England. In November of the same year the colonial 
legislature revoked the law; but Episcopalianism continued to be 
the established faith of the ])rovince. 

15. In the year 1706, Charleston was besieged by a French 



SOUTH CAROLINA. 155 

and Spanish fleet. Tlie people of the capital, led by Governor 
Johnson and Colonel Rhett, prepared for a stubborn defence. 
One of the French vessels succeeded in getting to shore with eight 
hundred troops, but they were driven back with a k)ss of three 
hundred in killed and prisoners. The siege was at once abandoned. 

16. In the spring of 1715, the Yamassees rose upon the 
frontier settlements and committed an atrocious massacre. The 
desperate savages came within a short distance of the capital ; 
and the Avhole colony was threatened with destruction. But Gov- 
ernor Craven rallied the militia, and the savages were pursued to 
the banks of the Salkehatchie. Here a decisive. battle was fought, 
and the Indians were completely routed. The Yamassees collected 
their tribe and retired into Florida. 

17. At the close of the war the assembly petitioned the pro- 
prietors to bear a portion of the expense. But they refused, and 
Avould take no measures for the protection of the colony. The 
people, greatly burdened with rents and taxes, grew dissatisfied 
Avith the proprietary government. In the new election every dele- 
gate Avas chosen by the popular party. AVhen James Moore, the 
new chief magistrate elected by the people, was to be inaugurated. 
Governor Johnson tried to prevent the ceremony. But the militia 
collected in the public square, and before nightfall the government 
of Carolina was overthrown. Governor Moore was duly inaugur- 
ated in the name of King George I. 

18. Francis Nicholson was soon afterward commissioned as gov- 
ernor. He began his duties by concluding treaties of peace with 
the Cherokees and the Creeks. But another change in colonial 
affairs was now at hand. In 1729 seven of the proprietors of 
Carolina sold their claims in the province to the king. The sum 
paid by George II. for the two colonies was tw^enty-two thousand 
five hundred pounds. Royal governors were appointed, and the 
afiliirs of the province were settled on a permanent basis. 

19. The people who colonized South Carolina were brave and 
chivalrous. The Huguenot, the Scotch Presbyterian, the Eng- 
lish dissenter, the Irish adventurer, and the Dutch mechanic, 
composed the material of the Palmetto State. Equally with 
the Puritans of the North, the South Carolinians were lovers of 



156 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

liberty. The people who were once goverued by the peaceful 
Archdale, and once led to war by tlie gallant Craven, became the 
leaders in politeness and honor between man and man. 



A colony is sent out under West and Sayle.— Settles on Ashley River.— Locke's 
constitution is rejected.— And a simple government adopted.— West becomes 
governor.— And then Yeamans.— Slavery is introduced.— Rapid immigration.— 
Charleston is founded.— An Indian war arises. -Immigrants arrive from Eng- 
land, Scotland, and Ireland.— The Huguenots come to South Carolina.— Colleton 
becomes governor.— Is overthrown.— Sothel takes the office.— Is banished.— Lud- 
well next.— The proprietors abrogate the Grand Model.— Administration of Arch- 
dale.— Moore succeeds.— The war witlx Florida. -Moore and Daniel attempt to 
lake St. Augustine.— Moore's campaign against the Indians.— The dissenters are 
disfranchised.— The act is revoked by Parliament.— The Spaniards besiege 
Charleston.— And are repelled.— The Yamassees are conquered.— Revolution in 
South Carolina.— Nicholson is governor.-The proprietors sell Carolina to the 
king.— A royal government is established.— Character of the people. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

GEORGIA. 

GEORGIA, the thirteentli American colony, was founded by 
James Oglethorpe, an English philanthropist. The laws of 
England permitted imprisonment for debt. Thousands of English 
laborers were annually arrested and thrown into jail. In order to 
})rovide a refuge for the poor and the distressed, Oglethorpe ap- 
pealed to George II. for the privilege of planting a colony in 
America. The petition was favorably heard, and on the 9th of 
June, 1732, a charter was issued by which the territory between 
the Savannah and Altamaha Rivers, and westward to the Pacific, 
was granted to a corjioration, to be held in trust for the poor. In 
honor of the king, the new province was named Georgia. 



GEORGIA. 



lf)\ 



2. Oglethorpe, who was a brave soldier and a member of Parlia- 
ment, was the principal member of the corporation. To him the 
leadership of the first colony to be planted on the Savannah was 
entrusted. By the middle of Novend:)er a hundred and twenty 
emigrants were ready to sail for the New World. In January 
of 1733 the 
company was 
welcomed at 
Charleston. 
Further south 
the colonists 
entered the 
river, and, on 
the 1st of 
February, laid 
the f u n d a- 
tions of Sa- 
vannah. Broad 
streets were 
laid out, and 
a beautiful vil- 
lage of tents 
and board 
houses a p - 
peared among 
the pine trees. 

3. To mo- 
chichi, chief 
of the Yama- 

craws, came from his cabin to see the new-comers. " Here is a 
present for you," said he to Oglethorpe. The present was a buffalo 
robe painted with the head and feathers of an eagle. ''The 
feathers are soft, and signify love ; the buffiilo skin is the emblem 
of protection. Therefore love us and protect us," said the old 
chieftain. Seeing the advantages of peace, Oglethorpe invited the 
Muskhogees to a council at his capital. The conference was held 
ou the 29th of May. Long King, the sachem, spoke for all the 




JAMES OGLETHORPE. 



158 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

V 

tribes. The English were welcomed to the country. Gifts were 
made, and the governor responded with words of friendship. 

4. The councilors in England encouraged emigration. Swiss 
peasants, Scotch Highlanders, and German Protestants all found 
a home on the Savannah. In April of 1734, Oglethorpe, acconv 
panied by Tomo-chichi, made a visit to England. It was said in 
London that no colony was ever before founded so wisely as 
Georgia. The councilors prohibited the importation of rum. 
Traffic with the Indians was regulated by a license. Slavery was 
positively forbidden While the governor was still abroad, a com- 
pany of Moravians arrived at Savannah. 

5. In February of 1736, Oglethorpe came back with a colony 
of three hundred. These were also Moravians, people of deep 
piety and ferveut spirit. First among them was John Wesley, 
the founder of Methodism. He came to Georgia to spread the 
gospel and convert the Indians. But he was doomed to much 
disappointment in his work ; and after a residence of less than 
two years he left the colony. His brother, Charles Wesley, came 
also as a secretary to Governor Oglethori)e. In 1738 the famous 
George Whitefield came and preached with fiery eloquence through 
all the colonies. 

6. Meanwhile, Oglethorpe, anticipating war with Florida, began 
to fortify. All of Georgia was embraced in the Spanish claim. 
But Oglethorpe had a charter for the territory as far south as the 
Altamaha. In 1736 he ascended the Savannah and built a f)rt 
at Augusta. On the north bank of the Altamaha, Fort Darien 
was built. On St. Simon's Island a fortress w\as erected and 
named Frederica. The St, John's Avas claimed from tliis time 
forth as the southern boundary of Georgia. The governor again 
visited England, and returned with a regiment of troops. 

7. In October, 1739, England published a declaration of war 
against Spain. In the first week of the following January, Ogle- 
thorpe invaded Florida, and captured two fortified towns. Re- 
turning to Charleston, he induced the assembly to supjiort his 
measures; and with a force of more than a thousand men he 
marched against St. Augustine. The place was besieged for five 
weeks. But sickness prevailed in the English camp. The troops 



GEORGIA. 



159 



of Carolina, despairini; of success, inarched homeward. Tlie Eng- 
lish vessels abandoned the siege and returned to Frederica. Ogle- 
thorpe, yielding to necessity, collected his men and withdrew 
into Georgia. 

8. The Spaniards now de- 
termined to carry the war 
into Georgia. Preparations 
began on a vast scale. In 
June of 1742, a fleet of 
thirty-six vessels, carrying 
more than three thousand 
troops, sailed from St. Au 
gustine for the reduction of 
Fort ^yilliam on Cum})er- 
land Island. But Oglethorpe 
reinforced the garrison, and 
then fell back to Frederica. 
The Spanish vessels followed. 
From the southern point of 
the island to Frederica, Ogle- 
thorpe had cut a road which 
lay between a morass and a 
forest. Along this path the 
Spaniards must pass to at- 
tack the town. 

9. In order to cope with 
sui)erior numbers, the English general resorted to stratagem. He 
wrote a letter to a French deserter in the Spanish camp, telling 
him that two British fleets were coming to America to aid Ogle- 
thorpe; and that if the Spaniards did not make an immediate 
attack on Frederica, they would be captured. The letter was 
delivered, and the Frenchman was arrested as a spy ; but the 
Spaniards were perplexed, and it was finally decided to make the 
attack on Frederica. 

10. The English general posted his men between the swamp and 
the forest. On the 7th of July the enemy reached the pass, were 
fired on from the thicket and driven back in confusion. The main 




COUNXUY OF THE .SAVANNAH, 1740 



160 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 

body of the Spanish forces pressed on into the same position, stood 
firm for a while, but were presently routed with a loss of two 
hundred men. The name of Bloody Marsh was given to this 
battle-field. Within a week the whole Spanish force reembarked 
and sailed for Florida. 

11, The colony of Georgia was now firmly established. In 1743 
Oglethorpe bade adieu to the people to whose welfare he had given 
ten years of his life. He had never owned a house nor i:>ossessed 
an acre of ground in the province. He now departed for England 
where he lived to be nearly a hundred years of age. 

12. The regulations which the councilors for Georgia had adopted 
were poorly suited to the wants of the colony. The settlers had 
no titles for their lands. Estates could descend only to the 
oldest sons of families. The colonists charged their poverty to 
the fact that slave-labor was forbidden in the province. The pro- 
prietary laws became unpopular. The statute excluding slavery 
was not enforced. Slaves began to be hired, first for short terms 
of service, then for longer periods, then for a hundred years. 
Finally, slaves were brought directly from Africa and sold to the 
planters below the Savannah. The new order of things was 
acknowledged by the councilors; and, in June of 1752, they sur- 
rendered their patent to the king. A royal government was estab- 
lished over the country, and the people were granted the freedom 
of Englishmen. For some time the j^rogress of the colony was not 
equal to the expectations of its founder, but before the Revolution 
Georgia had become a growing State. 



Georgia is founded by Oglethorpe.— He leads forth a colony.— Founds Savan- 
nah.— The friendly natives.— A treaty is made with the Muskhogees.— Immi- 
grants arrive from Europe.— Oglethorpe goes to England.— Returns.— The Mo- 
ravians.— The Wesleys.— And Whitefield.— Conflicting claims of Georgia and 
Florida.— Oglethorpe builds forts.— War breaks out.— The governor besieges St. 
Augustine.— And fails.— The Spaniards invade Georgia.— Oglethorpe's strata- 
gem.— The battle of Bloody Marsh.— The Spaniards are defeated.— The governor 
returns to England.— Slavery is introduced.— The prohibitory law is repealed.— 
Growth of the colony. 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAE. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

CAUSES. 

THE time came when the American colonies began to act to- 
gether. The final struggle between France and England for 
colonial supremacy in America was at hand. Necessity compelled 
the English colonies to join in a common cause against the foe. 
This is the conflict known as the French and Indian War. 
Causes of war had existed for many years. 

2. The first of these causes was the conflicting territorial claims 
of the two nations. England had colonized the sea-coast ; France 
had colonized the interior of the continent. The Encrlish kinsfs 
claimed the country from one ocean to the other. The French, 
however, began to push their way westward and southward along 
the great lakes to the head-waters of the Wabash, the Illinois, and 
the St. Croix, then down these streams to the Mississippi and the 
Gulf of Mexico. The purpose of the French was to divide the 
American continent and to take the larger portion. 

8. The first colonies and trading-posts of France in the Mis- 
sissippi valley were established by the Jesuit missionaries. As 
early as 1641, Charles Raymbault explored Lake Huron and Lake 
Superior. In the following thirty years, missions were established 
in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. In 1673 the explorers, 
Joliet and Marquette, reached the Wisconsin, and passed dow^n 
that river and the Mississippi to the mouth of the Arkansas. 

4. Robert de ia Salle carried the flag of France still farther. 
Sailing westward through the great lakes, he reached the mouth 

(161) 



162 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

of the St. Joseph, and then crossed the country to the Illinois. 
From this place he was obliged to return on foot to Fort Fron- 
tenac. Father Hennepin, one of La Salle's companions, explored 
the Mississippi as far as the fiills of St. Anthony. 

5. In 1682 La Salle explored Illinois and descended the Mis 
sissippi to the Gulf of Mexico. The up-river voyage was success 
fully accomplished, and La Salle sailed for France. In January 
of 1685, he returned in command of four emigrant ships, and 
reached the coast of Texas, where a colony was established. March- 
ing northward in the hope of reaching Canada, La Salle was mur- 
dered by one of his own men on the 20th of March, 1687. 

6. The French soon established military posts at Frontenac, at 
Niagara, at the Straits of Mackinaw, and on the Illinois. Before 
1750, settlements had been made on the Maumee, at Detroit, at' 
Green Bay, at Vincennes, at Kaskaskia, at Natchez, and on the 
Bay of Biloxi. At this time the only outposts of the English 
Avere a fort at Oswego, and a few cabins in West Virginia. 

7. The immediate cause of hostilities was a conflict betiveen the 
frontiersmen of the two natiom in the Ohio valley. In order to 
prevent the intrusion of the French fur-traders into this country, 
a number of Virginians joined themselves together in a body called 
THE Ohio Company. In March of 1749, they received from 
George II. a land-grant of five hundred thousand acres, located 
between the Kanawha and the Monongahela. But before the 
company could send out a colony, the governor of Canada de- 
spatched three hundred men to occupy the valley of the Ohio. 
In the next year, however, the Ohio Company sent out an exj^lor- 
ing party under Christopher Gist, who traversed the country and 
returned to Virginia in 1751. 

8. This expedition was followed by vigorous movements of the 
French. They built a fort called Le Boeuf, on French Creek, 
and another named Venango, on the Alleghany. About the same 
time the country south of the Ohio was again explored by Gist and 
a party of armed Surveyors. In 1753 the English opened a road 
from Will's Creek through the mountains, and a small colony was 
planted on the Youghiogheny. 

9. The Indians were greatly alarmed at the prospect. ^\\ey 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR.—CA USES. 



163 



rather favored the English cause, but tlicir allegiance was un- 
certain. In the spring of 1753, the Miami tiibes, under the leader- 
ship of the Half-King, met Benjamin Franklin at Carlisle, Penn- 
sylvania, and made a treaty with the English. 

10. Before proceeding to actual war, Governor Dinwiddle de- 
termined to try a final re- 
monstrance with the French. 
A paper was drawn up setting 
forth the nature of the Eng- 
lish claim to the valley of the 
Ohio, and warning the au- 
thorities of France against 
further intrusion. A young 
surveyor named George 
Washington was called 
upon to carry this j^aper from 
Williamsburg to General St. 
Pierre at Presque Isle, on 
Lake Erie. 

11. On the last day of Octo- 
ber, 1753, Washington set out first scene of the french and indian war, 1750. 

on his journey. He was attended by four comrades besides an in- 
terpreter and Christopher Gist, the guide. The party reached the 
Youghiogheny, and passed down that stream to the site of Pitts- 
burg. At Logstown, Washington held a council with the Indians, 
and then pressed on to Venango. From this place he traversed 
the forest to Fort le Boeuf. Here the conference was held with 
St. Pierre. Washington was received with courtesy, but the 
general of the French refused to enter into any discussion. He 
was acting, he said, under military instructions, and would eject 
every Englishman from the valley of the Ohio. 

12. Washington soon took leave of the French, and returned to 
Venango. Then, with Gist as his sole companion, he left the 
river and struck into the woods. Clad in the robe of an Indian; 
sleeping wath frozen clothes on a bed of pine-brush ; guided 
at night by the North Star ; fired at by a prowling savage 
from his covert ; lodging on an island in the Alleghany until the 

11 




164 HiSTonr OF the united states. 

river was frozen over ; plunging again into the forest, the young 
ambassador came back without wound or scar to the capital of 
Virginia. The answer of St. Pierre was laid before the governor, 
and the first public service of Washington was ended. 

13. In the mean time, the Ohio Company had sent thirty-three 
men, under command of Trent, to erect a fort at the source of the 
Ohio. In March, 1754, they reached the confluence of the Alle- 
ghany and the Monongahela, and built the first rude block-house 
on the site of Pittsburg. After all the threats of the French, the 
English had beaten them and seized the key to the Ohio valley. 

14. Soon, however, French boats came down the river ; and 
Trent was obliged to surrender. Washington was now stationed 
at Alexandria to enlist recruits. But it was too late to save 
Trent's men from capture. The French immediately occupied 
the post, built barracks and laid the foundations of Fort du 
QuESNE. To retake this place Colonel Washington set out from 
Will's Creek in May of 1754. The possession of the disputed 
territory was now to be determined by war. 



The colonies begin to act together.— A sense of danger unites them.— The 
French and Indian war arises.— Causes considered.— Conflicting territorial 
claims.— English colonies on the sea-board.— French colonies in the interior.— 
France proposes to confine the English to the Atlantic slope.— French settle- 
ments result from the efforts of the Jesuits.— Missions are established on the 
lakes.— Joliet and Marquette discover the Mississippi.— La Salle reaches the 
Illinois.— Explores the Mississippi to the Gulf.— Sails for France.— Returns with 
a colony.— Reaches Texas.— Is murdered.— French posts are established.— The 
Ohio valley to be occupied.— The frontiersmen of France and England come in 
conflict.— The Ohio Company is organized.— Obtains a grant of land.— France 
claims the Ohio valle5\— Gist traverses the country.— The French fortify Le Boeuf 
and Venango.— Gist makes a second exploration.— An English colony on the 
Youghiogheny.— The Indians favor the English.— The Half-King confers with 
FrankliUo— Dinwiddle sends a despatch to St. Pierre.— Washington is chosen for 
the mission.— Sets out to the site of Pittsburg.— And thence to Le Boeuf. -Confers 
with St. Pierre.— And returns to Virginia.— Trent begins a fort at tlie fork of tlie 
Ohio.— The French capture the place.— And build Du Q,uesne.— Washington is 
sent to retake the post. 



CAMPAIGNS OF WASHINGTON AND BRADDOCK. 165 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

CAMPAIGNS OF WASHINGTON AND BRADDOCK 

WASHINGTON, with his little aniiy of Virginians, was com- 
missioned to build a fort at the source of the Ohio, and to 
repel all who interrupted the English settlements in that country. 
In April the young commander left Will's Creek, but the march 
was toilsome. The men were o])liged to drag their cannons. The 
roads were miserable ; rivers were bridgeless ; provisions insufficient. 
2. On the 26th of May, the English reached the Great Mea- 
dows. Here Washington was informed that the French were on 
the march to attack him. A stockade was immediately erected, 
and named Fort Necessity. Washington, after conference with 
the Mingo chiefs, determined to strike the first blow. Two In- 
dians followed the trail of the enemy, and discovered their hid- 
ing place. The French were on the alert, and flew to arms. 
*'Fire!" was the command of Washington ; and the first volley of 
a great war went flying through the forest. The engagement was 
brief and decisive. ^ Jumonville, the leader of the French, and 
ten of his party were killed, and twenty- one were made prisoners. 

3. Washington returned to Fort Necessity and waited for rein- 
forcements. Only one company of volunteers arrived. Washing- 
ton spent the time in cutting a road for twenty miles in the direc- 
tion of Fort du Quesne. The Indians who had been expected to 
join him from the Muskingum and the Miami did not arrive. 
His whole force scarcely numbered four hundred. Learning that 
the French general De Villiers was approaching, Washington 
deemed it prudent to fall back to Fort Necessity. 

4. Scarcely were Washington's forces safe within the stockade, 
when, on the 3d of July, the regiment of De Villiers came in 
sight, and surrounded the fort. The French stationed themselves 



166 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 

on the emineiice, and fired down upon the English with fatal 
effect. The Indians climbed into the tree-tops. For nine hours 
the assailants poured a shower of balls upon AVashington's men. 
At length, seeing that it would be impossible to hold out, he 
accepted the terms which Avere offered by the French general. 
On the 4th of July, the English garrison marched out of the 
fort, and withdrew from the country. 

5. Meanwhile, a congress of the American colonies had assem- 
bled at Albany. The first object had in view was to renew the 
treaty with the Iroquois. The convention next took up the work 
of uniting the colonies in a common government. On tlie 10th 
of July, Benjamin Franklin presented the draft of a constitution, 
which was finally adopted. Philadelphia was to be the capital. 
The chief executive was to ])e a governor appointed by the king. 
Each colony should be repi-esented in congress l)y not less than two 
or more than seven representatives. 

6. Copies of this constitution were transmitted to the several 
colonies ; but the new scheme of government Avas everywhere re- 
ceived with disfavor. The English ministers also rejected it, say- 
ing that tlie Americans ivere trying to make a government of their 
oivn. Meanwhile, the French were constantly preparing for war. 

7. Early in 1755, General Braddock arrived in America, and on 
the 14th of April, met the governors of the colonies at Alexandria. 
The plans of four campaigns were agreed on. Lawrence, the gov- 
ernor of Nova Scotia, was to complete the conquest of that province. 
Governor Johnson, of New York, was to capture Crown Point. 
Shirley, of Massachusetts, was to take Fort Niagara. Braddock 
himself was to lead the main army against Fort du Quesne. 

8. In the latter part of April, the British general set out with 
two thousand veterans, from Alexandria to Fort Cumberland. A 
few provincial troops joined the expedition. Washington became 
an aid-de-camp of Braddock, and frequently gave him honest 
counsel, which the British general rejected. 

9. Braddock marched with the main body. On the 19th of June, 
he put himself at the head of twelve hundred chosen troo2:)s and 
pressed forward towards Fort du Quesne. Colonel Dunbar was left 
behind with the rest of the army. On the 9th of July, when the 



CAMPAIGNS OF WASHINGTON AND BBADDOCK. 167 

English were only twelve miles from Fort du Quesne, they were 
suddenly attacked by the French and Indians hidden among the 
rocks and ravines. 

10. The battle began with a panic. The men fired constantly, 

but could see no enemy. Brad- 
dock rushed to the front and 
rallied his men ; but it was all in 
vain. They stood huddled to- 
gether like sheep. The forest was 
strewn with the dead. Out of 
eighty-two officers, twenty -six 
were killed. Only Washington 
remained to distribute orders. Of 
the privates seven hundred and 
fourteen had fallen. A retreat 
began at once, and Washington, 
Avith the Virginians, covered the 
flight of the army. 

11. On the next day the In- 
dians returned to Fort du Quesne 




SCENE OF RRADDOCK'S DEFEAT, 1755. 



ciansreturneau)ruiL^uv^»vo..v., 0.1 i • T{,.n.irlnr.lr 

clad in the laced coats of the British officers. The ^V-g Biacldo^ 
was borne in the train of the fugitives. On the evemng of the 
fourth dav he died. When the fugitives reached Dunbar s camp 
th confusion was greater than ever. The artdleiy, baggage, aiui 
pubhcstores were' destroyed. Then followed a hasty retreat to 
Fort Cumberland, and finally to Philadelphia. 



ilec^:pittjl^tioit- 



^ .ir. rrpnt Meadows.-Builds Fort Necessity.- Attacks the 
Washington niarches ^«^^^^^^ jS^X^.;_ _De Villiers approaches.- Attaclcs 
French.-Extends the road toward Du Qv^sne ^>^J congress assembles at 

Fort Necessity.--And con.p.as a sun^ndeu-A^^^^^^ 

AU)any.-Franlclin plans a ""'^'-J^^^^^^^'^^'''^^^^^ En-land.-He confers with the 
sends soldiers to Anun.ca.-B.^^d oek^s s.n^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ Cun.berland.- 

governors.-Plans four ^^^'^^^'ll^-J^^l^^^^^^^^^ the French and In- 

of Braddock.-Dunbar retires to Philadelphia. 



168 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 



BUIN OF ACADIA. 



BY the treaty of Utrecht, made in 1713, Acadia, or Nova Scotia, 
was ceded by France to England. The great majority of the 
people in that province were French, and the English government 
was only a military occupation. At the outbreak of the French 
and Indian War the population amounted to more than sixteen 
thousand. The enterprise of reducing these people to submission 
was entrusted to Governor Lawrence, who was to be aided by a 
British fleet. On the 20th of May, 1755, the squadron, with three 
thousand troops, sailed from Boston for the Bay of Fundy. 

2. The French had one fortress, named Beau-Sejour, situated 
near the head of Chignecto Bay, and another fort called Gaspereau, 
on the north side of the isthmus, at Bay Verte. But there was 
no preparation for defence at either place. On the 16th of June, 

Beau-Sejour was taken, and 
Fort Gaspereau a few days 
afterward. In a campaign 
of a month, the English had 
'^^^b made themselves masters of 
the whole country east of the 
St. Croix. 

3. The French inhabitants 
still outnumbered the Eng- 
lish, and Governor Lawrence 
determined to drive them 
into banishment. The Eng- 
lish officers first demanded 
an oath of allegiance and the 




THE ACADIAN ISTHMUS, 1755. 

surrender of all firearms and boats. 



The Bi'itish vessels were then 



made ready to carry the people into exile. 



RUfN OF ACADIA. 



169 



4. The country about the isthmus was now laid waste, and the 
peasants driven into the larger towns. Wherever a sufficient 
number could be gotten together they were compelled to go on 
shipboard. At the village of Grand Pre more than nineteen hun- 




THE EXILE OF THE ACADIA 



dred people were driven into the boats at the point of the bayonet. 
Wives and children, old men and mothers, the sick and the infirm, 
all shared the common fate. More than three thousand of the 
Acadians were carried away by the British squadron, and scattered^ 
helpless and half starved, among the English colonies. 



Nova Scotia under English rule.— Lawrence is authorized to subduu the Fi-ench 
inhabitants.— The English fleet leaves Boston.— The French forts on the Bay of 
Fundy.— The fleet arrives at Beau-Sejour.— The place surrenders.— The other 
forts capitulate.— The British officers determine to exile the inhabitants.— The 
country is laid waste.— And the people carried into banishment. 

* Longfellow's Evangeline is founded on this incident. 



170 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 



CAMPAIGNS OF SHIRLEY AND JOHNSON. 



i^PHE third cam2:)aign 2:>lanned by Braddock was to be conducted 
J- by Governor Shirley against Fort Niagara. Early in August, 
he set out from Albany with two thousand men. Four weeks were 
spent at Oswego in preparing boats. Then tempests prevailed, 
and sickness broke out in the camp. The Indians deserted the 
standard of the English, and on the 24th of October the provin- 
cial forces, led by Shirley, marched homeward. 

2. The fourth expedition was entrusted to General William 
Johnson. The object was to capture Crown Point, and to drive 
the French from Lake Champlain. Early in August the army 
proceeded to the Hudson above Albany, and 
built Fort Edward. Thence Johnson pro- 
ceeded to Lake George and laid out a camp. 
A week was spent in bringing forward the 
artillery and stores. 

3. In the meantime, Dieskau, the French 
commandant at Crown Point, advanced with 
fourteen hundred French, Canadians, and In- 
dians to capture Fort Edward General John- 
son sent Colonel Williams, and Hendrick, the 
chief of the Mohawks, with twelve hundred 
men, to relieve the fort. On the morning of the 
8th of September, Colonel Williams's regiment 
and the Mohawks were ambushed by Dieskau's 
forces and driven back to Johnson's camp. 
4. The Canadians and French regulars, unsupported by the 
Indians, then attacked the English position. For five hours the 
battle was incessant. Nearly all of Dieskau's men were killed. At 
last the English troops charged across the field, and completed the 




VICINITY OF LAKE 
GEORGE, 1755. 



CAMPAIGNS OF SHIRLEY AND JOHNSON. 171 

rout. Dieskau was mortally woimded. Two hundred and sixteen 
of the English were killed. General Johnson now constructed on 
the site of his camp Fort William Henry. Meanwhile, the French 
had fortified Ticonderoga. 8uch was the condition of affairs at 
the close of 1755. 

5. In the beginning of the next year, the command of the Eng- 
lish forces was given to Governor Shirley, Washington at the 
head of the Virginia provincials repelled the French and Indians 
in the valley of the Shenandoah. The Pennsylvania volunteers, 
choosing Franklin for their colonel, built a fort on the Lehigh, 
and made a successful campaign. The exjieditions, which were 
planned for the year, embraced the conquest of Quebec and the 
capture of Forts Frontenac, Toronto, Niagara, and Du Quesne. 

6. The earl of Loudoun now^ received the appointment of com- 
mander-in-chief of the British forces. General Abercrombie w^as 
second in rank. In the last of April, the latter, with two bat- 
talions of regulars, sailed for New York. On the 17th of May, 
Great Britain, after nearly two years of actual hostilities, made a 
declaration of war against France. 

7. In July Lord Loudoun assumed the command of the colonial 
army. The French, meanwhile, led by the marquis of Montcalm, 
who had succeeded Dieskau, besieged and captured Oswego. 'Six 
vessels of war, three hundred boats, a hundred and twenty can- 
non, and three chests of money were the fruits of the victory. 

8. During this summer the Delawares in Western Pennsylvania 
rose in war, and killed or captured more than a thousand people. 
In August Colonel Armstrong, Avith three hundred volunteers, 
marched against the Indian town of Kittanning, and on the 8th 
of September, defeated the savages with great losses. The village 
was burned and the spirit of the Indians completely broken. 

9. On the 20th of June, 1757, Lord Loudoun sailed from New 
York with an army of six thousand regulars to capture Louisburg. 
At Halifax he was joined by Admiral Holbourn with a fleet of 
sixteen men-of-war. There were on l)oard five thousand troops 
fresh from the armies of England. But Loudoun, instead of pro- 
ceeding to Cape Breton, tarried a while at Halifax, and then sailed 
back to New York without striking a blow. 



172 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

10. Meanwhile, the daring Montcahn, with more than seven thou- 
sand French, Canadians, and Indians advanced against Fort William 
Henry. The place was defended by five hundred men under 
Colonel Monro. For six days the French pressed the siege with 
vigor. The ammunition of the garrison was exhausted, and nothing 
remained but to surrender. Honorable terms were granted by 
the French. On the 9th of August the French took possession of 
the fortress. Unfortunately, the Indians procured a quantity of 
spirits from the English camp. In spite of the utmost exertions of 
Montcalm, the savages fell U2:>on the prisoners and massacred 
thirty of them in cold blood. 

11. Such had been the successes of France during the year that 
the English had not a single hamlet left in the whole basin of the 
St. Lawrence. Every cabin where English was spoken had been 
swept out of the Ohio valley. At the close of the year 1757, 
France possessed twenty times as much American territory as Eng- 
land ; and five times as much as England and Spain together. 



ItECJLFITTJXj^TIOIsr. 

A campaign is planned against Niagara.— Shirloy commands.— Proceeds to 
Oswego.— Marclies home.— Oswego is rebnilt.— Johnson goes against tlie French 
on Lake Champlain.— Builds Fort Edward.— Forms a camp on Lake George.— 
Dieskau approaches.— Meets the English.— And drives them to the camp.— The 
battle.— Dieskau is killed.— The English lose heavily.— Johnson builds Fort Wil- 
liam Henry.— The French reinforce their forts.— Shirley becomes commander-in 
chief.— Washington repels the Indians.— Franklin defends Pennsylvania.— Lou- 
doun is commander-in-chief of the forces in America.— He and Abercrombie 
arrive with soldiers and supplies.— England declares war.— Abercrombie goes to 
Albany,— Montcalm captures Oswego.— The Delawares revolt.— And are pun- 
ished.— Loudoun attempts the conquest of Louisburg.— Proceeds to Halifax.— 
Holbourn joins him.— They do nothing.— Loudoun returns to New York.-Mont- 
calm and the Iroquois capture Fort William Henry.- The Indians massacre the 
prisoners.- Review of the situation. 



TWO YEARS OF SUCCESSES. 173 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

TWO YEARS OF SUCCESSES. 

WILLIAM PITT was now placed at the head of the English 
ministry. Loudoun was deposed from the American army. 
General Abercrombie was ajopointed to succeed him ; but the 
m*ain reliance was placed on an efficient corps of subordinate 
officers. Admiral Boscawen was put in command of the fleet. 
General Amherst was to lead a division. Young Lord Howe 
was next in rank to Abercrombie. James Wolfe led a brigade ; 
and Colonel Richard Montgomery was at the head of a regiment. 

2. Three expeditions were planned for 1758; one to capture 
Louisburg; a second, to reduce Crown Point and Ticonderoga; 
and the third to retake Fort du Quesne from the French. On 
the 28th of May, Amherst, with ten 'thousand men, reached Hali- 
fax. In six days more the fleet was anchored before Louisburg. 
On the 21st of July, three French vessels were burned in the har- 
bor. Tlie town was reduced to a heap of ruins. On the 28th of the 
month Louisburg capitulated. Cape Breton and Prince Edward's 
Island were surrendered to Great Britain. The garrison, number- 
ing nearly six thousand men, became prisoners of war. 

3. On the 5th of July, General Abercrombie, with an army of 
fifteen thousand men, moved against Ticonderoga. The country 
about the French fortress was unfavorable for military operations. 
On the morning of the 6th, the English fell in with the picket 
line of the French. •A severe skirmish ensued; the French were 
overwhelmed, but Lord Howe was killed in the onset. 

4. On the morning of the 8th, the English divisions were ar- 
ranged to carry Ticonderoga by assault. A desperate battle of 
more than four hours followed, until, at six o'clock in the even- 
ing, the English were finally repulsed. The loss on the side of 



174 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




the assailants amounted in killed and wounded to nineteen hun- 
dred and sixteen. In no battle of the Revolution did the British 
have so large a force engaged or meet so terrible a loss. 

5. The English now retreated to Fort George. Soon after- 
ward three thousand men, un- 
der Colonel Bradstreet, were 
sent against Fort Frontenac, 
on Lake Ontario. The place 
was feebly defended, and after 
a siege of two days compelled 
to capitulate. The fortress 
was demolished. Bradstreet's 
success more than counter- 
balanced the failure of the 
English at Ticonderoga. 

6. Late in the summer, 
General Forbes, with nine 
VICINITY OF QUEBEC, i75y. tliousaud uicu, advauccd 

against Fort du Quesne. Washington led the Virginia provin- 
cials. The main body moved slowly, but Major Grant, with the 
advance, pressed on to within a few miles of Du Quesne. Ad- 
vancing carelessly, he was ambuscaded, and lost a third of his 
forces. On the 24th of November, Washington was within ten 
miles of Du Quesne. During that night the garrison took the 
alarm, burned the fortress and floated down the Ohio. On the 
25th the victorious army marched in, raised the English flag, and 
named the place Pittsburg. 

7. General Amherst was now promoted to the chief com- 
mand of the American forces. By the beginning of summer, 
1759, the British and colonial armies numbered nearly fifty thou- 
sand men. The entire French army scarcely exceeded seven 
thousand. Three campaigns were planned for the year. General 
Prideaux was to conduct an ex^^jedition against Niagara. Andierst 
was to lead the main division against Ticonderoga and Crown 
Point. General Wolfe was to proceed up the St. Lawrence and 
capture Quebec. 

8. On the lOth of July, Niagara was invested by Prideaux. 



TWO YEARS OF SUCCESSES. 



175 



The French general D'Aubry, with twelve hundred men, marched 
to the relief of the fort. On the 15th, General Prideaux was 
killed by the bursting of a, mortar. Sir William Johnson suc- 
ceeded to the command, and disposed his forces so as to intercept 
the approaching French. On the morning of the 24th, D'Aubry's 
army came in sight. 
A bloody engage- 
ment ensued, in 
which the French 
were completely 
rou ted. On the 
next day, Niagara 
capitulated, and 
the French forces, 
to the number of 
six hundred, be- 
came prisoners of 
war. 

9. At the same 
time Amherst was 



marching with 



an 




GENERAL JAMES WOLFE. 



army of eleven 
thousand men 
against Ticonder- 
oga. On the 22d 
of July, the Eng- 
lish forces were dis- 
embarked w h e r e 
Abercrombie had formerly landed. The French did not dare to 
<^tand against them. On the 26th, the garrison, having partly 
destroyed the fortifications, abanboned Ticonderoga and retreated 
to Crown Point. Five days afterward, they deserted this place 
also, and entrenched themselves on Isle-aux-Noix, in the river 
Sorel. 

10. It remained for General AVolfe to achieve the final victory. 
Early in the spring, he began the ascent of the St. Lawrence. 
His force consisted of nearly eight thousand men, assisted by a 



176 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

fleet of forty-four vessels. On the 27th of June, the armament 
arrived at the Isle of Orleans, four miles below Quebec. The 
English camp was pitched at the upper end of the Island. Wolfe's 
vessels gave him command of the river, and the southern bank 
was undefended. On the night of the 29th, General Monckton was 
sent to seize Point Levi. From this position the Lower Town was 
soon reduced to ruins, and the Upper Town much injured: but 
the fortress held out. 

11. On the 9th of July, General Wolfe crossed the north 
channel and encamped on the east bank of the Montmorenci. 
This stream was fordable at low water. On the 81st of the month, 
a severe battle was fought at the fords of the river, and the 
English were repulsed with heavy losses. Wolfe, after losing nearly 
five hundred men, withdrew to his camp. 

12. Exposure and fatigue threw the English general into a 
fever, and for many days he was confined to his tent. A council 
of officers was called, and the indomitable leader proposed a second 
assault. But the proposition was overruled. It was decided to 
ascend the St. Lawrence, and gain the Plains of Abraham, in 
the rear of the city. The lower camp was broken up, and on the 
6th of September, the troops were conveyed to Point Levi. Wolfe 
then transferred his army to a point several miles up the river. 
He then busied himself with an examination of the northern bank, 
in the hope of finding some pathway up the steep clifts to the 
plains in the rear of Quebec. 

13. On the night of the 12th of September, the English entered 
their boats and dropped down the river to a })lace called Wolfe's 
Cove. With great difficulty the soldiers clambered up the preci- 
pice; the Canadian guard on the summit was dispersed; and in 
the dawn of morning Wolfe marshaled his army for battle. Mont- 
calm was in amazement when he heard the news. With great 
haste the French were brought from the trenches on the Mont- 
morenci, and thrown between Quebec and the English. 

14. The battle began with an hour's cannonade ; then Montcalm 
attempted to turn the English flank, but was beaten back. The 
Canadians and Indians were routed. The French regulars wavered 
and were thrown into confusion. Wolfe, leading the charge, was 



TWO YEARS OF SUCCESSES. 177 

wounded in the wrist. Again he was struck, but pressed on. 
At the moment of victory a third ball pierced his breast, and he 
sank to the earth. "They run, they run! "said the attendant 
who bent over him. "Who run?" was the response. "The 
French are flying everywhere," replied the officer. "Do they 
run already? Then I die happy," said the expiring hero. 

15. Montcalm, attempting to rally his regiments, was struck 
with a ball and mortally wounded. "Shall I survive?" said he 
to his surgeon. "But a few hours at most," answered the attend- 
ant. "So much the better," replied the heroic Frenchman, "I shall 
not live to witness the surrender of Quebec." 

16. Five days after the battle, Quebec was surrendered, and 
an English garrison took possession of the citadel. In the fol- 
lowing spring, France made an effort to recover her losses. A 
severe battle was fought a few miles west of Quebec, and the 
English were driven into the city. But reinforcements came and 
the French were beaten back. On the 8th of September, in 
the same year, Montreal, the last important post of France in the 
valley of the St. Lawrence, was surrendered to General Amherst. 
Canada had passed under the dominion of England. 

17. In the spring of 1760, the Cherokees of Tennessee rose 
against the English. Fort Loudoun, in the north-eastern ex- 
tremity of the State, was besieged by the Red men and forced 
to capitulate. Honorable terms were promised ; but as soon as the 
surrender was made, the savages massacred the garrison. Colonels 
Montgomery and Grant were despatched by General Andierst to 
chastise the Indians. After a vigorous campaign the savages were 
driven into the mountains and compelled to sue for peace. 

18. For three years the w^ar between France and England con- 
tinued on the ocean. The English fleets were everywhere vic- 
torious. On the 10th of February, 1763, a treaty of peace was 
made at Paris. All the French possessions in North America 
eastward of the Mississippi from its source to the river Iber- 
ville, and thence through Lakes Maurepas and Pontchartrain to 
the Gulf of Mexico, were surrendered to Great Britain. At the 
same time, Spain, with whom England had been at war, ceded 
East and West Florida to the English Crown. Thus closed the 



178 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

French and Indian War. By this conflict it was decided that 
the decaying institutions of the Middle Ages should not prevail in 
America, and that the powerful language, just laws, and priceless 
liberties of the English race should be planted forever in the vast 
domains of the New World. 



Pitt becomes prime minister.— Loudoun is deposed.— Abercrombie succeeds, 
—Able generals sent to America.— Tbree campaigns are planned.— Amherst 
and Wolfe capture. Louisburg.— Abercrombie is repulsed at Ticonderoga.— 
Bradstreet takes Frontenac— Forbes marches against Du Quesne.— Grant is 
defeated.— Washington leads the advance.— The French abandon Du Quesne.— 
Amherst commander-in-chief.— Pitt plans the conquest of Canada.— Prideaux 
defeats the French at Niagara.— Captures the fortress.- Amherst takes Ticon- 
deroga— Wolfe proceeds against Quebec— Besieges the city.— The Lower Town 
Is destroyed.— The battle of Montmorenci.— Wolfe ascends the river.— Gains 
tlie Plains of Abraham.— Fights a decisive battle.— Defeats the French.— Is 
slain,— Quebec capitulates. -And then Montreal.— The Cherokee revolt is quell- 
ed.— The war continues on the ocean.— England is victorious.— A treaty of 
peace.— The ternxs. 



PAUT IV. 
REVOLUTION AND CONFEDERATION. 

A. D. 1775-1789. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

CAUSES. 

THE American Revolution was an event of vast importance. 
The question decided by it was whether the English colonies 
in America should govern themselves or be ruled by Great Britain. 
The decision was rendered in favor of independence. The result 
has been the grandest republican government in the world. 

2. The most general cause of the Revolution was the right of 
ARBITRARY GOVERNMENT, claimed by Great Britain and denied 
by the colonies. The question began to be discussed about the 
time of the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, in 1748 ; and from that 
period until 1775, each year witnessed a renewal of the agitation. 
But there were also many minor causes tending to bring on a 
conflict with the mother-country. 

3. First of these was the mfluenee of France, inciting the colonies to 
rebel. The French had ceded Canada to Great Britain with the hope 
of securing American independence. England feared such a result. 
It was even proposed in Parliament to re-cede Canada to France 
in order to check the growth of the American States. 

4. Another cause was the natural disposition of the colonists. They 
were republicans in politics. The people of England were mon- 
archists. The cohmists had never seen a king. Their dealings 
with the royal officers had created a dislike for foreign institu- 
tions. For a long time the colonists had managed their own 

affairs in their own way. 

12 (179) 



180 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

5. The growth of jmblic opinion in the colonies tended to independ- 
ence. The better class of men came to believe that a separation 
from England was very desirable. As early as 1755, John Adams, 
then a young school-teacher in Connecticut, wrote in his diary: 
"In another century all Europe will not be able to subdue us. 
The only way to keep us from setting up for ourselves is to dis- 
unite us." 

6. Another cause of the Kevolution was the personal character of 
the king. George III. was one of the worst rulers of modern 
times. He was a stubborn, thick-headed man, who had no true 
notion of human rights. His ministers were, for the most part, 
men of like sort with himself. 

7. The more immediate cause of the war with the mother- 
country was the passage by Parliament of a number of laws de- 
structive of colonial liberty. The first of these was the Importa- 
tion Act of 1733. By the terms of this statute, exorbitant 
duties were laid on sugar, molasses and rum. In 1750 it 
was enacted that iron-works should not be erected in America. 
The manufacture of steel was forbidden ; and the felling of pines, 
outside of enclosures, was interdicted. All of these laws were dis- 
regarded by the people of the colonies as being unjust and tyran- 
nical. In 1761 the colonial courts were authorized to issue to the 
king's officers a kind of search-warrants, called Writs of Assistance. 
Armed with this authority, petty constables might enter every 
place, searching for goods which were suspected of having evaded 
tlie duty. Ai, Salem and Boston the writs were resisted. James 
Otis publicly denounced the parliamentary acts as unconstitutional. 

8. In 1763, and again in the following year, the English officers 
were authorized to seize all vessels engaged in unlawful trade. 
Before the passage of this act was known at Boston, a great town- 
meeting was held. Samuel Adams was the orator. A powerful 
argument was produced showing that under the British constitu- 
tion taxation and repress itation were inseparable. 

9. On the 10th of March, 1764, Mr. Grenville, the prime min- 
ister, brought before the House of Commons a resolution that it 
would be proper to charge certain stamp-duties on the American 
colonies. The news of the proposed measure was borne to America, 



1775 76 77 78 79 80 81 


41-90. Josep 
12-86. Fred 


h 11. of Alls 
erick the G 


tria. 

reat of Pru 


The Br 

ssia. *'"» 


itish Ministry 
nee with Fr 
War betw 


offer terms to t 

auee. 

een Oreat B 


he America 
ritain an 


54-93. Louis 


XVl.of Fr 


ance. 




Revolt of 


the Hungarian 


s. 


38-1820. (xeO 


rge 111. of 


England. 




I Jones' victory. 






Seventeen t 


housand Hessi 


ans hired for t 


he American VV" 


ar. Armed N 


eutrality d 


ft 


Montreal and Q 


uehec. 


Admiral 


Byron incomm 


War 

and of the Brit 


between 

ish fleet. 

ftc- 


TIROINIA. 


Virginia re 


commends inde 


pendence. 






Arnold's 


36-99. Patr 


ick Henry. 


Lord H 


owe in the Che 


sapeake. 




The Vii 


Lord D 


unmore driven 


from authorit 


y. Major Clark 


e's expedition a 


gainst the Indi 


ans. ] 


Nor 


folk burned. 






Tory devastat 


ions at Norfolk. 


1 


NORTH CA 


ROL.INA. 








p|| I^itig's 


Mountoin. 


The peo 
SOUTH CA 


pie of (Jharlott 
R01.INA. 


e declare indep 


endence. 






»<-. 






W%5 Charlesto 


n. 












PI| Plonk's C 


orner. 




Fort Moult 


rie built. 






rn Rocky 


Monnt. 




Arrival o 


f the British S 


quadron. 




PI Hangi 


ng Rock. 




mSieg 


e of Charleston. 








Re 

PI Hohl 






Arrival of 


La Fayette and 


DeKalb. 












34- 


1832. Thomas S 


umter. vi- 










32- 


95. Francis Ma 


rion. F^ 








m'" 


U nf Savannah. 






OEOROIA. 






^^ Ft. Siinhv 

» mill 


ry. 

gitsta. 

ge of Savannah. 


Res 


NEW YOR 


American ar 


my arrives at 
g Island. 


New York. 


Pi Verp 


lanck' s and Ston 


y Point. 




le Plains. Con 


gress at New Y 


orkcity. 






39-89. Ethan 


Allen. Pi 


Fort Washingto 
Peekskill ta 


n. 

ken by the Brit 


ish. 






^|| Ticond 


eroga. 


Bnrsroyne's i 

FI| Sarat 
ured at Haskin 


nvasion begins. 
ington. 


Cherry Valley M 


assacre. 




IJl Crow 


n Point. 


fl^Stony 


Point re-taken. 
Arnold's 


Treason. 


NEW JERS 


EY. Lee capt 


oga, and snrrend 


er of Burgoyne. 


Exe 


cution of A 


onmouth. 








Washington's 


retreat across 








Jersey. p|j 


Trenton and Pri 


ncelon. Win 


ter-qnarters at 


Middlebrook. 


Jlutiny of 




The Briti 


sh leave the St 


ate. 




Mutiny of 






11^- 


is Mifflin and M 


ercer. 






NEW HAM 


PSHIRE. 




tia,. Pi Hu 




© Destr 
British evacua 






John Stark 


rallies the mili 


bbardton. 

tt. The 


uction of th 






Capture of 


General Presco 


te the Stat 


RHODE I.« 


I.ANI>. 




The French 


fleet at Newpo 


rt. The 


patriot ant 
French sq 


Nathaniel 


(ireene joins t 
British success 


he army, 
in Narraganse 


tt Bay. ^ ^' 


ege of Newport. 


The 


MASSACHU 


.SETTS. The 


patriot author 


ity restored in 


Massachusetts. 






In. uo« 


e, Clinton, and 


Burgoyne arri 


ve. 




John Hanc 


ock, goveri 


Ui «"«* 


er Hill. 






@ Destr 


uction of the Am 


erican squac 


"^ G 


age's proclama 


tion issued. 






D'Esta 


ing's fleet 


a ' 


egp of Boston. 
Th^ British 


evacuate Bosto 


n. 








CONNECT! 


CUT. 


Tryon's In 


vasion. 


ft''T:^pS 
Bur 


ck burned. 


P\ . 


Israel Put 


nam rallies the 


militia. 




t of Putnam 


^^ 


Bened 
PENNSYI. 


ict Arnold lead 


s the troops of 


New Haven. 


ning of East H 


i*ven, Fairf 


VAN I A. 


Wint 


er-qnarters at 
hief. Clinl 


Valley Forge. 






Washing! 


on appointed CO 


mmandi'r-in-c 


on supersedes 


Howe. 


Robert Mr 
Bf 




Silas Deane sen 


t to France. 


II^^ 


Wyoming Massa 


ere. 






ft 


Germanlown. 










The Briti 


sh evacuate Ph 


iladelphia. 






Decla 


ration of In 


dependence. 


Invasion of t 


helndian coun 


try. A 




Dr. 


Franklin com 


missioner to F 


ranee. 






The Confedera 


tion proposed. 


Pi Bran 


dywine. 












Ph 


iladelphia take 


n by the Britis 


h. 




MARYI.AN 


D. 


Howe 


lands at Elk Ri 


ver. 




Recep 




Patriot 


government or 


ganized. 






at A 






The Briti 


sh fleet in the D 


elaware. 




DEI.AWAR 


E. Patriot 


government or 
- Del 


ganized. Re 
aware overrun 


storation of th 
by the British. 


e patriot autho 


rity in Del 



82 



83 



84 



85 



86 



87 



88 



89 



1^:^ Defeat 
F*>J Siege of 
>paiu. 

Retireme 
Piel 

red by Russia. 
eat Britain 

re of Minorca 

ges in Virginia. 

a Legislature d 

Siege of Yorkfo 

render of Corn 

British evacua 
ord. 



The 

ation of the p 

ens. 

Hill. 

inety-Six. 

utcno Spri7igs. 

tiou of the pat 
The Bri 



of De Grasxe at 
dihr altar. 

nt of the Lord 
iminary treaty 
Supplemental 
nefinit 
and Hollan 

by the Spaniard 

Wa 

ispersed. 
ivn and siir- 
walUs. 

te Wilmington 



British evacua 
atriot authorit 



riot authority, 
tish evacuate S 



Clinton s 

New 



Pennsylvania 
New Jersey li 



rican squadron 



y restored in R 
)n stationed at 



n the Penobscot. 
•ston. 

Grisivold; Arn 
and Norwalk 

appointed Seer 
if North Amer 

sles of Conf 



)f Washington 
lolis. 



uperseded by Si 

The Bri 

York cedes the 



line, 
ne. 



in the Penobscot. 



hode Island. 
Newport. 



Martinique. 



North Ministr 

treaty. 

ive Treaty. 

d. 



shington retire 
Virginia 



te Charleston, 
y. 



Treaty of 
Fontainebleau 



8 to Mount Ver 

cedes the Nort 

Washington r 

tional Conv 



rGuy Carleton 
tish evacuate 
Northwestern 
Was ington bids adi 



old's depredatio 

etary of Finau 
ica organized. 



ederatiun ra 

Treaty of 
Wa 



Congress 
Was 



tifled. 

Peace ratified 
shington make 



at Annapolis, 
hington resign 



C3]tjt>c5LXv X xJz). 



REVOLUTION I CONFEDERATION. 

A. D. 1775-1789. 



Frederieli 

Invasio 
non. 
hwestern Terri 
ecommends a C 
eution. 



Decimal 



New York. 
Territory, 
eu to the army 



Massachusetts 
western Terr 



by Con_ 

8 his report of 



8 his commissi 



William II. 

n of Holland 



tory. 
onstitu- 



currency adop 
Northwestern 

organized. 
St. Clair appoi 

governor. 



New 



The Triple 
Alliance. 

Virginia rat- 
ifies the 
Constitution. 

The 

Convention 

rejects the 

Constitution. 



South Caroli- 
na ratifies th© 
Constitution. 



Georgia rati- 
fies the 
Constitution. 



ted. 
Territory 



nted 



cedes the Nor 
itory. 



Shay's Re 



Connecticut ce 
western Terr 



the war. 



bellion. 



des the North- 
itory. 



Constitutional 
Pen 



Del 



New York 

ratifies the 

Constitution. 



Jersey ratifies 

the 
Constitution. 



The 

Convention 

rejects the 

Constitution. 



Massachusetts 

ratifies the 
Constitution. 



Connecticut 

ratifies the 

Constitution. 



Convention. 

nsylvaiiia rati- 
fies the 
Constitution. 



aware ratifies 

the 
Constitution. 



BEVOL UTION.—CA USES. 181 

producing universal excitement. Resolutions against the acts of 
the ministers were passed by the people of almost every town. 
Remonstrances were addressed to the king and the two houses of 
Parliament. 

10. Nevertheless, in March of 1765, the English Parliament 
passed the Stamp Act. In the House of Commons the measure 
received a majority of five to one. In the House of Lords the 
vote was unanimous. On the 22d of the month, the royal assent 
was given to the measure. Benjamin Franklin, who was then in 
London, wrote to a friend at home, that the sun of American 
liberty had set. 

11. The provisions of the Stamp Act were these: Every legal 
document, required in the colonies, should, after the 1st day of the 
following November, be executed on stamped paper to be furnished 
by the British government. For each sheet the colonists were 
required to pay a sum varying from three pence to six pounds 
sterling. Every pamphlet, almanac and newspaper was required 
to be printed on paper of the same sort, the value of the stamps 
ranging from a half-penny to four pence. No contract should be 
binding unless written on paper bearing the stamp. 

12. The news of the hateful act created great wrath in America. 
The bells of Philadelphia and Boston rung a funeral peal. In 
New York a copy of the Stamp Act was carried through the 
streets with a death's-head nailed to it, and a placard bearing this 
inscription : The Folly of England and the Ruin of America. 
The general assemblies were at first slow to move; there were 
many old loyalists among the members. But the younger repre- 
sentatives did not hesitate to express their sentiments. In the 
Virginia House of Burgesses there was a memorable scene. 

13. Patrick Henry, the youngest member of the House, waited 
for some older delegate to lead in opposition to Parliament. But 
the older members hesitated or went home. Offended at this luke- 
warmness, Henry snatched a blank leaf out of an old law book 
and drew up a series of resolutions, declaring that the Virginians 
were Englishmen with English rights ; that the colonists were not 
bound to yield obedience to any law imposing taxation on them ; 
and that whoever said the contrary was an enemy to the country. 



182 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



14. A violent debate ensued. Two future Presidents of the 
United States were in the audience; Washington occupied his 
seat as a delegate, and Thomas Jefferson, a young collegian, stood 
outside of the railing. The eloquent Henry bore down all oppo- 
sition. "Csesar 
had his Brutus," 
said the orator; 
''Charles I. had 
his Cromwell, 
and George 
III.—" -Trea- 
son!" shouted 
the speaker. 
''Treason! trea- 
son!" exclaimed 
the loyalists, 
springing to their 
feet. " — And 
George III. may 
profit by their 
example," con- 
tinued Henry; 
and then added, 
"If that be trea- 
son, make the 

most of it!" The resolutions were put to the house and carried; 
but on the next day, when Henry was absent, the most violent 
paragraph was rei)ealed. 

15. Similar resolutions were adopted by the assemblies of New 
^ork and Massachusetts. James Otis proposed an American Con- 
gress. Tiie proposition was favorably received by nine of the col- 
onies ; and, on the 7th of October the first Colonial Congress 
assembled at New York. Timothy Kuggles of Massachusetts was 
chosen president. A Declaration of Rights was adopted setting 
forth that the American colonists, as Englishmen, could not con- 
sent to be taxed but by their own representatives. Memorials were 
sent to Parliament, and a i^etitioii to the king. 




PATRICK HE.NUV. 



REVOLUTION.— CAUSES. 183 

16 On the 1st of November, the Stamp Act was to take effect. 
During the summer great quantities of the stamped paper had 
been sent to America. But everywhere it was rejected or de- 
stroyed The 1st of November was kept as a day of mournmg. 

17 At first, legal business was suspended. The court-houses 
were' shut up. Not even a marriage license could be legally is- 
sued By and by, the offices were opened, and business went on 
as before- but was not transacted with stamped paper. It was at 
thist me that the patriotic society known as the Sons op L.BKR.rv 
Z organized. The merchants of New York, Boston, and Phda^ 
delphia entered into a con^pacl to purcha.«e no more goods of 
Great Britain until tlie Stamp Act should be repealed. 

18 The colonists had their friends in England. Eminent states- 
men espoused the cause of America. In Ae House ofjo-nmons 
Mr Pitt delivered a powerful address. "You have, said he, no 
right to tax America. I rejoice that America has resisted. On 
the 18th of March, 1766, the Stamp ^c V™ ^T ' Zpa r 
But at the same time a resolution was added declaring that Par- 
liament had the right to Kml tl.e colonies inaU eases '"''"'f"^^';. 

19 The repeal of the Stamp Act produced great joy, both in 
England and America. A few months afterward, a new British 
Ifnet was formed under the leadership of Pitt. Wliile he 
confined by sickness to his home m the country, M>- Town*e' J 
brought forward a new scheme for taxing America. On the ^9th 
Jun 1767, an act was parsed Imposing a duty on all the glass 
paper! ;;iintei;' colors, and tea which should thereafter be imported 

into the colonies. , , , ,„ Annther 

20. The resentment of the Americans burst out anew. Anothe. 
agreement not to purchase British goods was entered into by the 
American merchants. The newspapers were fi'l^d w.h d— -^ 
tions of Parliament. Early in 1768, the assembly of Massachusetts 
do" tfl! circular calling'upon the other colonies for — - - 
the effort to obtain redress of grievances. The^ ""'"^^J/'^ 
enraged and required the assembly to rescind their ^action, and to 
express regret for that " rash and hasty proceeding. 

21 In the month of June, a sloop, charged w.th evading tie 
payment of duty, was seized by the custom-house officers of Boston. 



184 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

But the people attacked the houses of the officers, and obliged the 
occupants to fly to Castle William. General Gage was now ordered 
to bring from Halifax a regiment of regulars and overawe the 
people. On the 1st of October the troops, seven hundred strong, 
marched with fixed bayonets into the capital of Massachusetts. 

22. In February of 1769, the people of Massachusetts were de- 
clared rebels, and the governor was directed to arrest those deemed 
guilty and send them to England for trial. The general assembly 
met this outrage with defiant resolutions. Similar scenes were 
enacted in Virginia and North Carolina. In the latter State an 
insurrection was suppressed by Governor Tryon; the insurgents, 
escaping across the mountains, became the founders of Tennessee. 

23. Early in 1770, the soldiers in New York cut down a liberty 
pole which stood in the park. A conflict ensued, in which the 
people won the day. On the 5th of March, a more serious diffi- 
culty occurred in Boston. A crowd of people surrounded Captain 
Preston's company of the city guard, hooted at them, and dared 
them to fire. At length the soldiers discharged a volley, killing 
three of the citizens and wounding several others. This outrage, 
known as the Boston Massacre, created a profound sensation. 
Captain Preston and his company were arrested and tried for mur- 
der. Two of the offenders were convicted of manslaughter. 

24. Parliament now passed an act repealing all duties on Amer- 
ican imports except that on tea. The people, in answer, pledged 
themselves to use no more tea until the duty sliould be uncondition- 
ally repealed. In 1772 an act was passed that the salaries of the 
officers of Massachusetts should be paid without consent of the 
assembly. About the same time, the Gaspee, a royal schooner an- 
chored at Providence, was boarded by the patriots and burned. 

25. In 177o, Parliament removed the export duty which had 
hitherto been charged on tea shipped from England. The price 
was by so much lowered; and the ministers thought that, when 
the cheaper tea was offered in America, the colonists would pay the 
import duty without suspicion. Ships were loaded with tea for the 
American market. Some of the vessels reached Charleston; but 
the chests were stored in cellars, and the contents ruined. At 
New York and Philadelphia the ships were forbidden to enter. At 



RE VOL UTION.—CA USES. 



185 



Boston the authorities would not permit the tea to be landed. On 
the 16th of December, there was a great town-meeting at which 
seven thousand people were present. Adams and Quincy spoke 
to the multitudes. Evening came on, and the meeting was about to 
adjourn, when a 
war-whoop was 
heard, and fifty 
men disguised as 
Indians marched 
to the w h a r f, 
where the tea- 
ships were at an- 
chor. The dis- 
guise d men 
quickly boarded 
the vessels and 
emptied three 
hundred and for- 
ty chests of tea 
into the bay. 
Such was THE 
Boston Tea- 
Party. 

26. Parlia- 
ment made haste 
to find revenge. 
On the last day of 

March, 1774, the Boston Port Bill was passed. It was enacted 
that no kind of merchandise should any longer be landed or shipped 
at the wharves of Boston. The custom-house was removed to 
Salem, but the people of that town refused to accept it. The in- 
habitants of Marblehead gave the free use of their warehouses to 
the merchants of Boston. When the news of the passage of the 
Port Bill reached Virginia, the burgesses entered a protest on their 
journal. Governor Dunmore ordered the members to their homes; 
but they met and continued their work in another place. On 
the 20th of May, the charter of Massachusetts was annulled. The 




SAMIEL ADAMS. 



186 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

people were declared rebels ; and the governor was ordered to send 
abroad for trial all persons who should resist the officers. 

27. In September the Second Colonial Congress assembled 
at Philadelphia. Eleven colonies were represented. One address 
was sent to the king ; another to the English nation ; and another 
to the people of Canada. A resolution was adopted to suspend all 
commercial intercourse with Great Britain. Parliament retaliated 
by ordering General Gage to reduce the colonists by force. A 
fleet and ten thousand soldiers were sent to aid him. 

28. Boston Neck was seized and fortified by the British. The 
stores at Cambridge and Charlestown were conveyed to Boston; 
and the general assembly was ordered to disband. Instead of 
doing so, the members voted to equip an army of twelve thousand 
men for defence. There was no longer any hope of a peaceable 
adjustment. The colonists were few and feeble ; but they were 
men of iron wills who had made up their minds to die for liberty. 



Importance of the Revolution.— The question decided by it.— The causes.— 
Great Britain claims the right of arbitrary government.— France incites the 
rebellion.— The disposition of the Americans encourages independence.— Public 
opinion.— The king provokes a conflict.— Parliament passes oppressive acts.— 
The question of taxation.— Tlie Importation Act.— Its provisions.— Writs of 
Assistance are issued.— The sugar and wine duties.— A Stamp Act is proposed.— 
Indignation in the colonies.— The Stamp Act is passed.— Its provisions.— The 
news is received in America.— Scene in the House of Burgesses.— Passage of 
Henry's resolutions.— Other assemblies pursue a similar course.— The first 
Colonial Congress.— A Declaration of Rights is adopted.— Memorials to the 
king and Parliament.— The Stamp Act is resisted.— And the stamps destroyed.— 
Suspension of business.— The Sons of Liberty.— The non-importation agree- 
ment.— Pitt defends the colonists.— Repeal of the Stamp Act.— Townshend 
secures the passage of a glass and tea-tax.— The Americans resist.— Circular of 
Massachusetts.— Seizure of a sloop at Boston.— Insurrection of the people.— 
Gates takes possession of Boston.— Is ordered to arrest the patriots.— Rebellion 
of Virginia and North Carolina.— Conflict at New York.— The Boston massacre. 
—Repeal of the duties.— Passage of the Salary Act.— Burning of the Gaspee.— 
Tea is shipped to America.— Is spoiled at Charleston.— Refused at New York 
and Philadelphia.— And poured oveiboard at Boston.— Passage of the Port 
Bill.— Opposition of the Burgesses. -The charter of Massachusetts is annulled.— 
The people declared rebels.— The second Congress assembles.— A British army 
is ordered to America.- Boston Neck fortified.— Military stores removed.— The 
assembly refuses to disband.— War inevitable. 



THE BEGINNING. 187 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 
THE BEGINNING. 

AS soon as the intentions of General Gage were known, the peo- 
ple of Boston, concealing their ammnnition in carts, con- 
veyed it to Concord. On the night of the 18th of April, Gage 
despatched eight hundred men to destroy the stores. The plan 
of the British was made with great secrecy ; but the patriots dis- 
covered the movement. When the regiment, under command of 
Colonel Smith and Major Pitcairn, set out for Concord, the people 
of Boston were roused by the ringing of bells and the firing of 
cannons. William Dawes and Paul Revere rode with all speed 
to Lexington and spread the alarm through the country. 

2. At two o'clock in the morning a company of a hundred and 
thirty minute-men assembled on the common at Lexington. No 
enemy appeared until five o'clock, when the British, under com- 
mand of Pitcairn, came in sight. The provincials were led by 
Captain Parker. Pitcairn rode up and exclaimed: "Disperse, 
ye villains ! Throw down your arms ! " The minute-men stood 
still, and Pitcairn cried, "Fire!" The first volley of the Revolu- 
tion whistled through the air, and sixteen of the patriots fell dead 
or wounded. The rest fired a few shots, and dispersed. 

3. The British pressed on to Concord ; but the inhabitants had 
removed the stores to a place of safety, and there was but little 
destruction. While the British were ransacking the town, the 
minute-men encountered a company of soldiers who were guarding 
the North Bridge. Here the Americans fired under orders of 
their officers, and two British soldiers were killed. • The rest began 
a retreat through the town towards Lexington. For six miles 
the battle was kept up along the road. Hidden behind trees, 
fences, and barns, the patriots poured a constant fire upon the 



188 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ranks of the enemy. At one time it seemed that the whole British 
force would be obliged to surrender. The American loss was 
forty-nine killed, thirty-four w^ounded, and five missing ; that of 
the enemy was two hundred and seventy-three. 

4. The battle of Lexington fired the country. Within a few 
days an army of twenty thousand men gathered about Boston. A 
line of entrenchments was drawn from Roxbury to Chelsea. To 
drive Gage into the sea was the common talk. John Stark came 
down with the New Hampshire militia. Israel Putnam, with a 
leather waistcoat on, hurried to the nearest town, mounted a horse 
and rode to Cambridge, a distance of a hundred miles, in eight- 
een hours. Rhode Island sent her men under Nathaniel Greene. 
Benedict Arnold came wdth the provincials of New Haven. 

5. Ethan Allen, with a company of two hundred and seventy 
patriots, advanced against Ticonderoga. Benedict Arnold joined 
tlie expedition as a j^i'ivate. On the evening of the 9th of May, 
the force reached the shore of Lake George, opposite Ticonderoga. 

6. On the following morning, eighty-three men succeeded in 
crossing. With this mere handful, Allen made a dash and gained 
the gateway of the fort. The sentinel was driven in, closely fol- 
lowed by the patriot mountaineers. Allen rushed to the quarters 
of the commandant, and cried out: "Surrender this fort in- 
stantly!" "By what authority?" inquired the officer. "In the 
name of the great Jehovah and the Continental Congress," said 
Allen, flourishing his sword. There was no alternative. The gar- 
rison were made prisoners and sent to Connecticut. By this daring 
exploit vast quantities of military stores fell into the hands of the 
Americans. Two days afterward Crown Point was also taken, 

7. On the 25th of May, Generals Howe, Clinton, and Bur- 
goyne arrived at Boston. The British army was augmented to 
more than ten thousand men. It was now rumored that Gage 
was about to sally out of Boston to burn the neighboring towns 
and devastate the country. The Americans determined to antici- 
pate this movement by fortifying Bunker Hill, which commanded 
the peninsula of Charlestown. 

8. On the night of the 16th of June, Colonel Prescott was sent 
with a thousand men to entrench the hill. The provincials reached 



THE BEGINNING. 



189 



the eminence ; but Prescott and his engineer, not liking the posi- 
tion, proceeded down the peninsuhi to Breed's Hill, within cannon 
range of Boston. On this summit a redoubt was thrown up diu'ing 
the night. The British ships 
in the harbor wer-e so near 
that the Americans could 
hear the sentinels repeating 
the night-call, "All is well." 
9. As soon as it was light. 
General Gage ordered the 
ships in the harbor to can- 
nonade the American position. 
The British batteries on 
Copp's Hill also opened fire. 
Just after noon, three thou- 
sand British veterans, com- 




SC'ENE OF THE 



F UUNKER HILL, 



manded by Generals Howe and Pigot, landed at Morton's Point. 
The Americans numbered about fifteen hundred. Generals Put- 
nam and Warren served as privates in the trenches. Charlestown 
was burned by the British as they advanced. Thousands of spec- 
tators climbed to the house-tops in Boston to watch the battle. 
On came the British in a stately and imposing column. 

10. The Americans reserved their fire until the advancing line 
was within a hundred and fifty feet. Then instantly from the 
breastworks every gun was discharged. The front rank of the 
British melted away, and the rest hastily retreated. Howe i-allied 
his men and led them to the second charge. Again the American 
fire was withheld until the enemy was but a few rods distant. 
Then with steady aim volley after volley was poured upon the 
column until it was broken and driven into flight. 

11. The vessels of the British fleet now changed position until 
the guns were brought to bear upon the American works. For 
the third time, the British soldiers charged with fixed bayonets up 
the hillside. The Americans had but three or four rounds of 
ammunition remaining. These were expended on the advancing 
enemy. Then there was a lull. The British clambered over the 
ramparts. The provincials hurled stones at the assailants. It 



190 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

was in vain; the defenders of liberty were driven out of their 
trenches at the point of the bayonet. The brave Warren gave 
his life for freedom. The loss of the British in the engagement 
was a thousand and fifty-four in killed and wounded. The Ameri- 
cans lost a hundred and fifteen killed, three hundred and five 
wounded, and thirty-two prisoners. Prescott and Putnam con- 
ducted the retreat to Prospect Hill. 

12. The battle of Bunker Hill rather inspired than discouraged 
the colonists. The news was borne to the South, and a spirit of 
determined opposition was everywhere aroused. The people began 
to speak of the United Colonies of America. At Charlotte, 
North Carolina, the citizens ran together in a convention, and 
made a declaratmi of independence. 

13. On the day of the capture of Ticonderoga, the colonial 
Congress assembled at Philadelphia. Washington was there, and 
John Adams and Samuel Adams, Franklin and Patrick Henry ; 
Jefferson came soon afterward, A last appeal was addressed to 
the king ; and he was told that the colonists had chosen war in 
preference to slavery. Early in the session John Adams made an 
address, in the course of which he noticed the necessity of ap- 
pointing a commander-in-chief and the qualities requisite in that 
high officer. The speaker concluded by putting in nomination 
George Washington of Virginia. On the 15th of June, the 
nomination was confirmed by Congress ; and the man who had 
saved the wreck of Braddock's army was called to build a nation. 

14. George Washington was born in Westmoreland county, 
Virginia, on the 11th of February (Old Style), 1732. At the 
ao-e of eleven he was left to the sole care of his mother. His 
education was limited to the common branches of learning. Sur- 
veying was his favorite study. At the age of sixteen he was sent 
by his uncle to survey a tract of land on the South Potomac. 
The important duties which he performed in the service of the 
Ohio Company and his campaign with Braddock have already 
been narrated. With great dignity he accepted the appointment 
of commander-in-chief, and set out to join the army at Cambridge. 

15. Congress had voted to equip twenty thousand men, but the 
means of doing so were not furnished. Washington had a force 



THE BEGINNING. 191 

of fourteen thousand five hundred vokmteers, hut they were un- 
discipUned and insubordinate. The supplies of war were ahnost 
wholly wanting. The army was soon organized and arranged in 
three divisions. The right wing, under General Ward, held Kox- 
bury; the left, commanded by General Charles Lee, rested at 
Prospect Hill ; the centre, under the commander-in-chief, lay at 
Cambridge. The siege of Boston was pressed with vigor. 

16. Meanwhile the king's authority was overthrown in all the 
colonies. Lord Dunmore, governor of Virginia, who was driven 
from office, proclaimed freedom to the slaves and raised a force 
of loyalists, but was defeated by the patriots near Norfolk. 

17. The Americans looked to Canada for aid. In order to en- 
courage the people of that province to take up arms, Generals 
Schuyler and Montgomery were ordered to proceed against St. 
John and Montreal. The former fort was reached on the 10th of 
September, but could not at first be taken. Afterward General 
Montgomery succeeded in capturing the fortress. Montreal was 
next invested, and on the 13th of November obliged to capitulate. 

18. ]\Iontgomery next proceeded, with three hundred men, 
against Quebec. In the mean time. Colonel Arnold had set out 
with a thousand men from Cambridge, and after a march of 
untold hardship and suffering, had reached the St. Lawrence and 
climbed to the Plains of Abraham. At Point aux Trembles he 
was joined by Montgomery, who assumed command. The whole 
force did not exceed nine hundred men. Quebec was defended 
by greatly superior numbers. For three weeks, with his handful 
of troops, Montgomery besieged the town, and then staked every- 
thing on an assault. 

19. Before daybreak on the 31st of December, 1775, the first 
division, under Montgomery, attacked the Lower Town. The 
second column, led by Arnold, attempted to storm the Prescott 
Gate. As Montgomery's men were rushing forward, a battery 
before them burst forth with a storm of grape-shot. At the first 
discharge Montgomery fell dead. The men, heartbroken at their 
loss, retreated to Wolfe's Cove, above the city. 

20. Arnold had meanwhile fought his way into the Lower 
Town. While leading the charge he was severely wounded and 



192 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

borne to the rear. Captain Morgan led his brave band along the 
narrow streets until he was overwhelmed and compelled to sur- 
render. Arnold retired to a point three miles above the city. 
The small-pox broke out in the camp ; Quebec was strengthened ; 
and in the following June the Americans evacuated Canada. 



The patriots remove their stores.— Pitcairn is sent to destroy them.— Dawes 
and Revere arouse the people.— The British reach Lexington.— P'ire on the 
patriots.— Proceed to Concord.— Are attacked.— And driven back to Boston.— 
The country is fired.— The patriots gather at Cambridge.— Allen and Arnold 
capture Ticonderoga.— The British are reinforced.— Gage's plans.— The Ameri- 
cans fortify Breed's Hill.— The battle.— Excitement of the people.— The North 
Carolinians declare independence.— The Colonial Congress assembles.— Wash- 
ington commander-in-chief.— Sketch of his life.— Organization of the army.— 
Royal rule is overthrown.— Struggle with Dunmore.— Expedition against Que- 
bec—Led by Schuyler, Montgomery, and Arnold.— Montgomery takes Mon- 
treal.— Arnold's march.— He and Montgomery unite against Quebec— The town 
18 iuvested.— The assault and defeat.— Fall of Montgomery.— Canada evacuated- 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

THE WORK OF 76. 

AT last came the king's answer to the appeal i^f Congress. The 
petition of the colonies was rejected with contempt. By this 
tyrannical answer the day of independence was brought nearer, 
^lean while, General Howe had succeeded Gage in command of 
the British troops in Boston. 

2. All winter long, the city was besieged by Washington. By 
the first of spring, 1776, he felt himself strong enough to risk an 
assault ; the officers of his staff thought otherwise, and a different 
plan was adopted. It was resolved to seize Dorchester Heights 
and drive Howe out of Boston. 



THE WORK OF '76. 



193 




SIEGE OF BOSTON 



3. For two days the attention of the British was drawn by a 
fire from the American batteries. On the night of the 4th of 
March, a detachment set out under cover of the darkness and 
reached the Heights unperceived. The British noticed nothing 
unusual ; but, when morning 
dawned, Howe saw at a glance 
that he must carry the 
American position or aban- 
don the city. He accordingly 
ordered two thousand four 
hundred men to storm the 
Heights before nightfall. 

4. Washington visited the 
trenches and exhorted his 
men. It was the anniversary 
of the Boston Massacre, A 
battle was momentarily ex- 
pected ; but while the British 
delayed, a storm arose and 
rendered the harbor impassable. It continued to blow for a 
whole day, and the attack could not be made. Before the follow- 
ing morning the Americans had so strengthened their fortifications 
that all thoughts of an assault were abandoned. Howe found 
himself reduced to the extremity of giving up the capital of 
New England. 

5. After some days there was an agreement between Washing- 
ton and the British general that the latter should retire from Bos- 
ton unmolested on condition that the city should not be burned. 
On the 17th of March, the whole British army went on board the 
fleet and sailed away. The American advance at once entered 
the city. On the 20th, Washington made a formal entry at the 
head of the triumphant army. The country was wild with delight. 
Congress ordered a gold medal to be struck in honor of Washing- 
ton, victorious over the enemy. 

6. In a short time, the commander-in-chief repaired with the 
army to New York. General Lee pressed forward with the Con- 
necticut militia, and reached that city just in time to baffle an 



194 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

attempt of Sir Henry Clinton, whose fleet arrived off Sandy 
Hook. Clinton next sailed southward, and was joined by Sir 
Peter Parker and Lord Cornwallis Avith two thousand five hun- 
dred men. The force of the British was deemed sufiicient to 
capture Charleston. 

7. The Carolinians, led by General Lee, rose in arms and 
flocked to Charleston. The city was fortified ; and a fort, which 
commanded the entrance to the harbor, was built on Sullivan's 
Island. On the 4th of June, the British squadron came in sight. 
On the 28th, the British fleet began a bombardment of the fort- 
tress, which was commanded by Colonel Moultrie. The vessels 
of the fleet poured a tempest of balls upon the fort ; but the 
walls, built of palmetto, were little injured. The flag-staff* was 
shot away, but Sergeant Jasper leaped down from the wall, 
recovered the flag, and set it in its place again. As evening drew 
on, the British Avere obliged to retire with a loss of two hundred 
men. The loss of the garrison amounted to thirty -two. As soon 
as the British could repair their fleet, they set sail for New York. 

8. During the summer, Washington's forces were increased to 
twenty-seven thousand men ; but the effective force was little 
more than half that number. Great Britain was making the 
vastest preparations. By a treaty with some of the German 
States, seventeen thousand Hessians were hired to fight against 
America. Twenty-five thousand English troops were levied ; and 
a million dollars were voted for the expenses of the war. 

9. Thus far the colonists had claimed to be loyal subjects of 
Great Britain. Now the case seemed hopeless. The people urged 
the general assemblies, and the general assemblies urged Congress, 
to a declaration of independence. Congress resjoonded by recom- 
mending the colonies to adoj^t such governments as might best 
conduce to the safety of the people. 

10. On the 7th of June, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Vir- 
ginia offered a resolution in Congress declaring that the United 
Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and indepeiident States. 
A long and exciting debate ensued. The final consideration of 
Lee's resolution was postponed until the 1st of July. On the 
11th of June, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Frank- 



THE WORK OF '76. I95 

lin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston, were appointed a 
committee to prepare a formal declaration. 

11. On the 1st of Jnly, the committee's report was laid before 
Congress. On the next day Lee's resolution was adopted. During 
the 3d, the formal declaration was debated with great spirit. The 
discussion was resumed on the 4th, and at two o'clock in the after- 
noon, the Declaration of American Independence was adopted 
by a unanimous vote. 

12. The old bellman of the State House rang out the note of 
freedom to the nation. The multitudes caught the signal and 
answered with shouts. Everywhere the declaration was received 
with enthusiastic applause. At Philadelphia the king's arms were 
torn down and burned in the street. At Williamsburg, Charleston, 
and Savannah there were bonfires. At Boston the declaration was 
read in Faneuil Hall. At New York the populace pulled down the 
statue of George IH. and cast it into bullets. Washington ordered 
the declaration to be read at the head of each brigade. 

13. The leading principles of the Declaration of Lidependence 
are these : That all men are created equal ; that governments are 
instituted for the welfare of the people ; that the people have a 
right to alter their government; that the government of George 
IH. had become destructive of liberty; that the king's tyranny 
over his American subjects was no longer endurable ; aiid that, 
therefore, the United Colonies of America are, and of rio-ht ou^ht 
to be, free and independent States. 

14. Early in July, General Howe landed a force of nine thou- 
sand men on Staten Island. Thither Clinton came from the sieae 
of Charleston, and Admiral Howe from England. The whole 
British force in the vicinity of New York amounted to thirty 
thousand men. Nearly half of them were Hessians. Washing- 
ton's army was greatly inferior in numbers and discipline. 

15. Lord Howe had been instructed to try conciliatory measures 

W'ith the Americans. First, he sent to the American camp a 

despatch directed to George Washington, Esquire. Washington 

refused to receive a communication which did not recognize his 

official position. Howe then sent another message, addressed to 

George Washington, etc., etc., etc.; and the bearer insisted that 
13 



196 mSTOET OF THE UXITED STATES. 

and-s(hforth might mean General of the American Army. But AVa>h- 
ington sent the officer away. It was known that Howe's authority 
extended only to granting pardons, and to this Wa-hington replied 
that since no offence had been committed no pardon was required. 
16. Lord Howe and his brother at once began hostilities. On 

__ — ^ ; ^ — . the 22d of August, the British, 

f^^-: f/j^ J , J I to the number of ten thou- 

^ sand, landed on Long Island. 

i Tlie Americans, about eiofht 



r 

1 


. 


a- 


^ y.* 


1 


; ^-".-vv '^si'^ 


^ 


*^< .^-^ 


tA - 




V 


- 


%, 




/<- 





\ 4 thousand strong, were posted 

in the ^^cinity of Brookhna. 
On the morning of the 27th 
of August, Grant's division of 
the British army pr<>ceeded as 
far as Greenwood Cemetery, 
where he was met by General 
Stirling with fifteen hundreil 
men : and the battle at once 
beLtm. In this part of the 
LAiiLE ... I > . .^.ASi . .::■: ^^ij there was no decisive 

result. General Heister, in command of the British centre, ad- 
vanced beyond Flatbush, and engaged the main body of the 
Americans, under General Sullivan. Here the Hessians gained 
little or no ground until Sullivan was suddenly alarmeil by the 
noise of battle on his left and rear. 

17. General Putnam had neglected to guard the passes on the 
left of the American army. During the night General Clinton 
had occupied the heights above the Jamaica road, and now his 
division came down by way of Bedford. Sullivan found him- 
self surrounded and cut off. The men fought bravely, and many 
broke through the lines of the British. The rest were scattered, 
killed, or taken prisoners. 

18. ComwalHs, attempting to cut off Stirling's retreat, was re- 
pulsed. Most of Stirling's men reached the American hues at 
Brooklyn. Generals Stirling, Sullivan, and WoodhuU were, taken 
prisoners. Nearly a thousand patriots were killed or missing. It 
seemed an easy thing for Clinton and Howe to capture aU the rest. 



THE WORK OF '76. 



197 



19. Washington, perceiving that he could not hold his position, 
resolved to withdraw to New York. The enterprise was extremely 
hazardous. At eight o'clock on the evening of the 29th, the em- 
barkation of the army began. All night with muffled oars the 
boatmen rowed silently back and forth. At daylight on the follow- 
ing morning, the movement was discov- 
ered by the British. They rushed into 
the American entrenchments, and 
found nothing but a few worthless guns. 

20. The defeat on Long Island was 
very disastrous to the American cause. 
Many of the troops returned to their 
homes. Only by constant exertion did 
Washington keep his army from dis- 
banding. The British fleet anchored 
within cannon-shot of New York. 
Washington retired to the Heights of 
Harlem. On the 15th of September, 
the British landed three miles above 
New York. Thence they extended 
their lines across the island and took 
possession of the city. 

21. On the following day, there was a skirmish between the 
advance parties of the two armies. The British were driven 
back with a loss of a hundred men. On the 16th of October, 
Howe embarked his forces, passed into Long Island Sound, and 
landed in the vicinity of Westchester. The object was to get 
upon the American flank and cut off communications with the 
Eastern States. Washington detected the movement, and faced 
the British east of Harlem River. On the 28th a battle was 
brought on at White Plains. Howe began the engagement with 
a cannonade, which was answered with spirit. The Americans 
were driven from one position, but entrenched themselves in 
another. Night came on ; and Washington withdrew to the 
heights of North Castle. Howe remained for a few days at 
White Plains, and then returned to New York. 

22. Washington now crossed to the west bank of the Hudson 




SCENE OF OPERATIONS ABOUT 
NEW YORK, 1776. 



198 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

and took post at Fort Lee. Four thousand men were left at 
North Castle under General Lee. Fort Washmgton, on Manhat- 
tan Island, was defended by three thousand men under Colonel 
Magaw. The skillful construction of this fort had attracted the 
attention of Washington, and led to an acquaintance with the 
engineer, Alexander Hamilton, then a stripling but twenty 
years of age. 

23. On the 16th of November, Fort Washington was captured 
by the British. The garrison were made prisoners of war and 
crowded into the jails of New York. Two days after the surren- 
der, Fort Lee was taken by Lord Cornwallis. Washington with 
his army, now reduced to three thousand men, retreated to Newark; 
but Cornwallis and Knyphausen came hard after the fugitives. 
The patriots continued their flight to Princeton, and finally to 
Trenton on the Delaware. Nothing but the skill of Washington 
saved the remnant of his forces from destruction. 

24. On the 8th of December, Washington crossed the Delaware. 
Cornwallis, having no lioats, was obliged to Avait for the freezing of 
the river. The British army was stationed in the towns and 
villages east of the Delaware. Trenton was held by two thousand 
Hessians under Colonel Rahl. It was seen that as soon as the 
river should be frozen the British would march into Philadelphia. 
Congress accordingly adjourned to Baltimore. 

25. On the same day that Washington crossed the Delaware, 
the islands of Ehode Island and Conanicut were taken by Admiral 
Parker's fleet; and the American squadron under Commander 
Hopkins was blockaded in Blackstone River. During his retreat 
across New Jersey, Washington sent despatches to General Lee, at 
North Castle, to join the main army as soon as possible. That 
officer marched with his command as far as Morristown, and then 
took up his quarters at Basking Ridge. On the 13th of Decem- 
ber, a squad of British cavalry captured Lee and hurried him off* 
to New York. General Sullivan took command of Lee's division, 
and hastened to join Washington. The entire American force now 
amounted to a little more than six thousand. 

26. The tide of misfortune turned at last. Washington saw in 
the disposition of the British forces an opportunity to strike a blow 



THE WORK OF 



'76. 



199 




for his country. The leaders of the enemy were off their guard. 
The Hessians on the e.ist side of the river were spread out from 
Trenton to Burlington. Washington conceived the design of cross- 
i,u. the Delaware and striking the detachment at Trenton before a 
:i" tSion of the enemy's forces could be effected. The^Amer- 
•can army was arranged in three divisions. The first, under Genera 
Cadwallader, was to cross the river at Bns- ■— 
tol General Ewing was to pass over a 
little below Trenton. Washington himself, 
with twenty-four hundred men, was to 
cross nine miles above Trenton, march 
down the river and assault the town. 
Christmas night was selected as the time 
for the movement. 

27. The Delaware was filled with floating 
ice' * Ewing and Cadwallader were both 
baffled in their efforts to cross the river. 
Washington, having succeeded in getting 
over, divided his army into two columns and 
pressed forward. At eight o'clock in the 
mornin. the Americans came rushing into the village from hot 
Ti ctiJ:,s. The Hessians sprang from their quarters and at^emp ed 
to form in line. Colonel Rahl was mortally wounded. Nea ly a 
holnd of the Hessians threw down their arms and begged foi 
." e Before nightfall Washington, with his army and the 
whole body of captives, was safe on the other side of the Delaware. 
4 The battle of Trenton roused the nation from despondency. 
Thl militia flocked to the general's standard; and fo»rte--. h.n. 
dred soldiers, whose term of enlistment now expired, reente.ed the 
service Robert Morris, the great financier of the Kevohition, came 
forward with his fortune to the support of his country. 

29. Three days after his victory, Washington again crossed the 
Dela vare. He e all the American detachments ,n the v.cni ty 
w«e ordered to assemble. To General Heath, stationed a Fed., 
kill Washington sent orders to move into New Jei.ey. ihe 
B lish fell b^ck from their outposts and -centr.ate at Prmcet^n^ 
Cornwallis resumed command in person. So closed the yeai. ien 



liATTLES OF TRENTON ASU 
PRINCETON, 177C-7. 



200 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

days previously, Howe only waited for the freezing of the Delaware 
before taking up his quarters in Philadelphia. Now it was a ques- 
tion whether he would be able to hold a single town in New Jersey. 



ie,E 0-A.I=ITTJXj^A>.TI01sr . 

The king answers the colonies.— Howe succeeds Gage. — Siege of Boston.— Tlie 
British evacuate the city.— Tlie Americans enter.— Public rejoicings.- Washing- 
ton goes to New York.— Clinton threatens the city.— Corn wall is and Parker 
proceed against Charleston.— Rising of the Carolinians.— The attack on Moultrie. 
—Distresses of the army.— Great Britain hires the Hessians.— And makes new 
levies.— The question of independence.— Lee's resolutions.^A committee is ap- 
pointed.— The Declaration of Independence adopted.— Its leading principles.— 
Howe returns.— Attempts to open negotiations.— The British advance on Long 
Island.— The battle.— Washington saves the army.— Discouragement of the peo- 
ple.— The British take New York.— Movements of the two armies.— Battle of 
White Plains.— Notice of Hamilton.— The capture of Fort Washington.— Fort Lee 
is taken.— The Americans retreat across New Jersey.— British successes in Rhode 
Island.— Lee's capture.— Washington recruits his arm5\— Recrosses the Dela- 
ware.— Defeats the British at Trenton.— Effect of the battle.— Alarm of the Brit- 
ish.— Robert Morris to the rescue.— The situation. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII 

OPERATIONS OF '77. 



ON the 1st of January, 1777, Washington's army at Trenton 
numbered about five tliousand men. On the next day, Corii- 
wallis approached with greatly superior forces. During the after- 
noon, there was severe skirmishing along the roads east of Trenton. 
Washington took up a new position south of Assanpink Creek. The 
British, attempting to force a passage, w^ere driven back; and Corn- 
wallis deferred the main attack till the morrow. 

2. During the night, Washington called a council of war, and it 
was determined to leave the camp, pass the British left flank, and 



OPERATIONS OF 77. 201 

strike the enemy at Princeton. The baggage was removed to 
Burlington. The camp-fires were brightly kindled and kept burn- 
ing through the night. Then the army was put in motion towards 
Princeton. Everything was done in silence. The morning light 
showed the British sentries a deserted camp. 

3. At sunrise Washingt(m was entering Princeton. At the same 
time the British were marching out to reinforce Cornwallis. The 
Americans met them in the edge of the village, and the battle at 
once began. The British charged bayonets, and the militia gave 
way in confusion. General Mercer received a mortal wound. But 
the Pennsylvania regulars, led by the commander-in-chief, stood 
tlieir ground. AVashington rallied his men Avitli the greatest 
bravery; and the British were routed, with a loss of four hundred 
and thirty men in killed, wounded and missing. 

4. Washington, fearing the approach of Cornwallis, hastily with- 
drew to the nortli, and on the 5th of January, took a position at 
Morristown. Cornwallis retired to New Brunswick. In a short 
time the greater part of New Jersey was recovered by the patriots. 
Cornwallis gradually contracted his lines until his whole force was 
coojDed up in New Brunswick and Amboy. 

5. In the early spring, the American stores at Peekskill were 
destroyed by the British. On the 13th of April, Cornwallis sur- 
prised General Lincoln, on the Karitan ; but the latter made good 
his retreat. On the 25th of the month, General Tryon, with a 
detachment of two thousand men, proceeded against Danbury, 
Connecticut. After burning the town, the British were attacked 
by the patriots under Wooster and Arnold, and lost two hundred 
men. The veteran Wooster fell in this engagement. 

6. On the night of the 22d of May, Colonel Meigs, of Connect- 
icut, embarked two hundred men in whale-boats, crossed the sound, 
and attacked Sag Harbor. The British were overpowered; only 
four of them escaped ; five or six were killed, and the remaining 
ninety were made prisoners. The stores were destroyed by the 
patriots, who, without the loss of a man, returned to Guilford. 
Colonel Meigs was rewarded with an elegant sword from Congress. 

7. The patriot forces of the North were now concentrated on the 
Hudson ; and a camp, under Arnold, was laid out on the Delaware. 



202 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

In the latter part of May, Washington broke up his winter-quarters 
and took an advantageous position only ten miles from the British 
camp. Howe crossed over from New York and threatened an 
attack upon the American lines. For a month, the two armies 
countermarched and skirmished. Finally, the British retired to 
Amboy, and on the 30th of June crossed over to Staten Island. 

8. On the 10th of July, General Prescott of the British army 
was captured at a farm-house near Newport, by Colonel William 
Barton and forty volunteers. This lucky exploit gave the Amer- 
icans an officer of equal rank to exchange for General Lee. Colonel 
Barton was rewarded with an elegant sword by Congress. That 
body had, in the mean time, returned to Philadelphia. 

9. From the beginning of the war, the people of France had been 
friendly to the American cause. By and by, their sympathy became 
more outspoken. The French ministers would do nothing openly to 
provoke a war with Great Britain ; but secretly they rejoiced at 
every British misfortune. The Americans came to understand that 
if money was required, France would lend it; if arms were to l)e 
purchased, France had arms to sell. During the year 1777, the 
French managed to supply the colonies with twenty thousand 
muskets and a thousand barrels of powder. 

10. At last the republicans of France began to embark for Amer- 
ica. Foremost of all came the young Marquis of La Fayette. 
Fitting a vessel at his own expense, he eluded the officers, and with 
the brave De Kalb and a small company of followers reached South 
Carolina, in April of 1777. He entered the army as a volunteer, 
and in the following July, was commissioned a major-general. 

11. One of the most important events of the war was the cam- 
paign of General Burgoyne. Superseding Sir Guy Carleton in 
connuand of the English forces in Canada, he spent the spring of 
1777 in organizing an army of ten thousand men for the invasion 
of New York. The force consisted of British, Hessians, Canadians, 
and Indians. The plan of the campaign embraced a descent upon 
Albany and New York, and the cutting off of New England from 
the ^Middle and Southern colonies. 

12. On the 1st of June, Burgoyne reached Lake Champlain, and 
on the 16th proceeded to Crown Point. This place was occupied 



OPERATIONS OF 77. 



203 



by the British ; and on the 5th of July, Ticonderoga, which was 
defended by three thousand men under General St. Clair, was cap- 
tured. The garrison re- 
treated to Hubbardtou, 
Vermont. Here an engage- 
ment ensued, in which the 
Americans fought so ob- 
stinately as to check the 
pursuit. On the following 
day, the British reached 
Whitehall and captured a 
large quantity of stores. 

13. At this time the 
American army of the 
North was commanded by 
General Sch uy ler. His 
forces, numbering between 
four and five thousand, 
were at Fort Edward. This 
place was captured by Bur- 
goyne on the 30th of July, the Americans retreating down the 
Hudson. The British general now despatched Colonels Baum and 
Breymann, with a strong detachment, to seize the stores at Ben- 
nington, Vermont. Colonel John Stark rallied the New Hampshire 
militia, and on the 15th of August, met the British near the village. 
On the following morning, there was a furious battle, in which 
Baum's force was completely routed. The British lost in killed, 
wounded, and prisoners more' than eight hundred men. The country 
was thrilled by the victory. 

14-. A few days after the battle of Bennington, Burgoyne re- 
ceived intelligence of a still greater reverse. At the beginning of 
the invasion a large force of Canadians and Indians, commanded 
by General .St. Leger, had been sent against Fort Schuyler, on the 
Mohawk. On the 3d of August, St. Leger invested the fort. 
General Herkimer rallied tlie militia of the country, but was de- 
feated with a loss of a hundred and sixty men. Meanwhile, how^- 
ever, General Arnold had led a detachment from the Hudson for 




GENERAL JOHN BURGOYM 



204 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



the relief of the fort. At his approach the savages fled. St. 

Leger, dismayed at their treachery, raised the siege and retreated. 
Such was the news that was borne to Biu'- 
goyne at Fort Edward. 

15. The British general lost a month in 
procuring supplies from Canada. He now 
found himself hemmed in by nine thousand 
patriot soldiers. General Lincoln arrived 
with the militia of New England. Wash- 
ington sent several detachments from the 
regular army. Morgan came with his rifle- 
men. General Gates superseded Schuyler 
in command of the northern army. On 
the 8th of September, the American head- 
(piarters were advanced to Stillwater. 
On the 14th of the month, Burgoyne 
crossed the Hudson and took post at Sara- 
armies now came face to face. On the 19th, a 
continuing until nightfall. The conflict. 




SCENE OF KlRGOVNE'g 
INVASION, 1777. 



toga. The two 

general battle ensued 

though severe, w^as hidecisive ; the Americans retired within their 

lines, and the British slept on the field. To the patriots the result 

of the battle was equivalent to a victory. 

16. The condition of Burgoyne grew critical. His supplies failed; 
his Canadian and Indian allies deserted his standard. Meanwhile, 
General Clinton, who commanded the British army in New York, 
sailed up the river and captured Forts Clinton and Montgomery. 
But nothing further was accomplished, and Burgoyne became des- 
])erate. On the 7th of October, he hazarded another battle, in 
which he lost his bravest officers and nearly seven hundred privates. 
The brave General Eraser, who commanded the British right, was 
killed. His disheartened men turned and fled from the field. On 
the American side, Arnold was the inspiring genius of the battle. 
The Americans were completely victorious. 

17. Burgoyne now began a retreat, and on the 9th of October, 
reached Saratoga. Here he was intercepted by Gates and Lincoln, 
and driven to surrender. On the 17tli of October, terms of capitu- 
lation were agreed on, and the whole army, numbering five thou- 



OPERATIONS OF 77. 205 

saiid seven hundred and ninety-one, l)ecume prisoners of war. 
Among the captives were six members of the British ParHament. 
Forty-two pieces of brass artillery, five thousand muskets, and an 
immense quantity of stores were the fruits of the victory. 

18. As soon as the invasion was at an end, a large portion of 
the army was despatched to aid Washington. For, in the mean 
time, a great campaign had been in progress in the South ; and the 
patriots were sorely pressed. On the 23d of July, Howe had sailed 
from New York, with eighteen thousand men, to attack Philadeh 
phia. Learning that the Americans had obstructed the Delaware, 
he determined to change his plan, enter the Chesapeake, and make 
the attack by land. Washington advanced his headquarters from 
Philadelphia to Wilmington. The American army, numbering 
between eleven and twelve thousand men, was concentrated at that 
place. The forces of Howe were vastly superior, but Washington 
hoped to beat back the invaders and save the capital. 

19. On the 25th of August, the British landed at Elk River, in 
Maryland, and began their march toward Philadelphia. Washing- 
ton selected the Brandywine as his line of defence. The left wing 
was stationed at Chad's Ford, while the right, under General Sulli- 
van, was extended up the river. On the 11th of September, the 
British reached the opposite bank and began battle. The Hessians 
under Knyphausen attacked at the ford ; but the British, led by 
Cornwallis and Howe, marched up the Brandywine and crossed 
above the American right. Sullivan allowed himself to be out- 
flanked. Washington was misled by false information ; the right 
wing was crushed in by Cornwallis; and the day was lost. 

20. During the night the patriots retreated to Westchester. The 
loss of the Americans amounted to a thousand men ; that of the 
British to five hundred and eighty-four. La Fayette was severely 
wounded. Count Pulaski so distinguished himself in this engage^ 
ment that Congress honored him with the rank of brigadier. 
Washington continued his retreat as far as Germantown. On the 
loth of the month, he recrossed the Schuylkill and met Howe at 
Warren's Tavern. A spirited skirmish ensued, and a great battle 
was imminent. But just as the conflict was beginning, a violent 
tempest swept over the field. The combatants were deluged, their 



206 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

cartridges soaked, and fighting made imi^ossible. Washington still 
attempted to keep between the British and the city. But Howe 
succeeded in crossing the Schuylkill, and hastened to Philadelphia. 
On the 26th of September, the city was taken, and the main divis- 
ion of the British army encamped at Germantown. 

21. Congress adjourned, first to Lancaster, and afterward to York, 
where they held their sessions until the next summer. Washington 
now made his camp on Skippack Creek, twenty miles from the city. 
On the night of the 3d of October, he attempted to surprise the 
British at Germantown. But the roads were rough, and the differ- 
ent columns reached the British outposts at irregular intervals. 
There was much severe fighting, and at one time it seemed that 
the British would be overwdielmed ; but they gained possession of 
a large stone house and could not be dislodged. The tide turned 
against the patriots, and the day was lost. Of the Americans about 
a thousand w^ere killed, wounded, and missing. The British loss 
was five hundred and thirty-five. 

22. On the 22d of October, Fort Mercer, on the Delaware, was 
assaulted by twelve hundred Hessians. Count Donop, the com- 
mander, and nearly four hundred of his men, fell before the 
American entrenchments. At the same time the British fleet 
attacked Fort Mifflin on Mud Island. A siege ensued, lasting till 
the 15th of November. Then at midnight the fortress was set 
on fire, and the garrison escaped to Fort Mei'cer. On the 20th 
of November this fort was also abandoned to the British. General 
Howe thus obtained control of the Delaware. 

23. After the battle of Germantown, Washington took up 
his headquarters at Whitemarsh. The patriots began to sufier 
for food and clothing. On the evening of the 2d of December, 
How-e held a council of war at the house of Lydia Darrah in 
Philadelphia. It was decided to surprise Wi^shington in his 
camp. But Lydia, who overheard the plans of Howe, left 
the city on pretence of going to mill, rode to the American lines, 
and gave the alarm. When, on the morning of the 4th, the 
Britisli approached Whitemarsh, they found the cannons mounted 
and the patriots in order of battle. The Bi-itish general manoeuvred 
for four days, and then maiched back to Philadelphia. 



OPERATIONS OF 77. 



207 



24. On the 11th of December, AVashington went into \Yinter- 
quarters at Valley Forge, on the right bank of the Schuylkill. 
Thousands of the soldiers were without shoes, and the frozen 
ground was marked with bloody footprints. Log cabins were 
built, and everything was done that could be done to secure the 
comfort of the suffering patriots. 
But it was a long and dreary win- 
ter. These were the darkest days 
of Washington's life. Congress in 
a measure abandoned him. The 
success of the army of the North 
was unjustly compared with the 
reverses of the army of the South. 
Many men high in military and 
civil station left the great leader 
unsupported. But the allegiance of the army remained unshaken, 
and the nation's confidence in the chieftain became stronger than 
ever. At the close of 1777, the patriot cause was obscured with 
clouds and misfortune. 




ENCAMPMENT AT VALLEY FORGE, 1777-8. 



I2,EC;^FITUXj^TI02sr. 

The British advance against Trenton.— "Washington withdraws his forces.— 
Wins a victory.— Takes post at Morristown.— The British at New Brnnswick.— 
Destruction of stores at Peelislvill.— Lincoln attaclied at Boundbrool?^.— Tryon 
burns Danbury.— Meigs talces Sag Harbor.— Washington advances into New 
Jersey.— The Britisli tlireaten Philadelpliia.— Leave New Jersey.— Barton cap- 
tures Prescott.— Congress returns to Pliiladelpliia.— Help from France.— Coining 
of La Fayette and De Kalb.— Burgoyne's campaign.— Fall of Crown Point and 
Ticonderoga.— The battle of Hubbardton.— Capture of W^hiteh all.— Fort Edward 
is taken.— Schuyler retreats.— The battle of Bennington.— St. Leger besieges Fort 
Schuyler.— Herkimer is defeated.— Arnold advances.— St. Leger retreats.— Dis- 
couragement of Burgoyne.— The battle of Saratoga.— A diversion is attempted 
by Clinton.— Tlie second battle.— Burgoyne is driven to surrender.— The army 
of the North relieves Washington.— The movement of Howe against Phila- 
delphia.— He enters the Chesapeake.— The batfle of Brandywine.— Reti-eat of 
the Americans.— Washington advances to Warren's Tavern.— A storm prevents 
the battle.— The British capture Philadelphia.- Congress at Lancaster.— Wash- 
ington on Skii^pack Creek.- The battle of Germantown.— Capture of Forts Mer- 
cer and Mifflin.— The Americans at Whitemarsh.— Adventure of Lydia Dar- 
rah.— The British winter at Philadelphia.— The Americans at Valley Forge.— 
Sorrows of Washington. 



208 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 
FRANCE TO THE RESCUE. 

IN November of 1776, Silas Deane of Connecticut was appointed 
conmiLssioner to France. His first service was to make a secret 
arrangement to supply the Americans with materials for carrying 
on the war. In the autumn of 1777, a ship, laden with two 
hundred thousand dollars' worth of arms, ammunition and specie, 
was sent to America. In that ship came Baron Steuben, who was 
commissioned by Congress as inspector-general of the army. 

2. Arthur Lee and Benjamin Franklin were also appointed 
by Congress to neg(^tiate a treaty with the French king. In De- 
cember of 1776, they reached Paris and began their duties. For 
a long time King Louis and his minister stood aloof from the 
proposed alliance. They hated Great Britain, and gave secret 
encouragement to the colonies ; but an open treaty with the 
Americans was equivalent to a war with England, and that the 
French court dreaded. 

3. Now it was that the genius of Dr. Franklin shone with a 
peculiar lustre. At the gay court of Louis XVI. he stood as 
the representative of his country. His wit and genial humor 
made him admired ; his talents and courtesy commanded respect ; 
his patience and perseverance gave him final success. During 
the whole of 1777, he remained at Paris and Versailles. At last 
came the news of Burgoyne's surrender. A powerful British 
army had been subdued by the colonists without aid from 
abroad. The success of tlTe American arms induced the king to 
accept the proposed alliance with the colonies. On the 6th of 
February, 1778, a treaty was concluded ; France acknowledged the 
independence of the United States, and entered into relations of 
friendship with the new nation. 



FRANCE TO THE RESCUE. 



209 



4. Benjamin Franklin, the author of the first treaty between 
the United States and a foreign nation, was born in Boston on the 
17th of January, 1706. His father was a manufacturer of soap 
and candles. At the age of twelve, Benjamin was apprenticed 
to his brother 
to learn the art 
of printing. In 
1723 he went 
to Philadelphia, 
entered a print- 
ing-office, a n d 
rose to distinc- 
tion. He visited 
England; re- 
turned; found- .^,™.. . „.^______.__.,^^.^ 




ed the first cir- 
culating library 
in America ; 
edited Poor 
Ricliardh Alma- 
nac; discovered 
the identity of 
electricity and 
lightning; es- 
poused the 
patriot cause; 
and devoted his 

old age to perfecting the American Union. The name of Frank- 
lin is one of the brightest in history. 

5. In May of 1778, Congress ratified the treaty with France. 
A month previously, a French fleet, under Count d'Estaing, had 
been sent to America. Both France and Great Britain immedi- 
ately prepared for war. George HI. now became willing to treat 
with his American subjects. Lord North brought forward two 
bills in which everything that the colonists had claimed was con- 
ceded. The bills were passed by Parliament, and the king as- 
sented. Commissioners were sent to America; but Congress in- 



iEN.TAMTN FRANKLIN. 



210 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

formed them that nothing but an acknowledgment of the inde- 
pendence of the United States would now be accepted. 

6. The British army remained at Philadelphia until June of 
1778. The fleet of Admiral Howe lay in the Delaware. When 
the rumor came that the fleet of D'Estaing was approaching, 
the English admiral set sail for New York. On the 18th of June, 
the British army evacuated Philadelphia and retreated across New 
Jersey. Washington occupied the city, and followed the retreat- 
imr foe. At Monmouth the British were overtaken. On the 
morning of the 28tli, General Lee was ordered to attack the 
enemy. The American cavalry under La Fayette vas driven 
back by Oornwallis. Lee ordered his line to retire to a stronger 
position ; but the troops mistook the order and began a retreat. 
Washington met the fugitives and administered a severe rebuke 
to Lee. The fight continued till nightfall, and Washington anx- 
iously waited for the morning. During the night, however, Clin- 
ton withdrew his forces and escaped. 

7. The loss of the Americans was two hundred and twenty- 
seven. The British left nearly three hundred dead on the field. 
On the day after the battle, Washington received an insulting 
letter from Lee demanding an apology. Washington replied that 
his language had been warranted by the circumstances. Lee 
answered in a still more offensive manner, and was thereupon ar- 
rested, tried by a court-martial, and dismissed from his command 
for twelve months. He never reentered the service, and did not 
live to see his country's independence. 

8. The British forces were now concentrated at New York. 
Washington took uj) his headquarters at White Plains. On the 
11th of July, Count d'Estaing's fleet attempted to attack the 
British squadron in the bay ; but the bar at the entrance pre- 
vented the passage of the French vessels. D'Estaing next sailed 
for Rhode Island, and General Sullivan proceeded to Providence 
to cooperate with him in an attack on Newport. On the 9th of 
August, Sullivan secured a favorable position on the island. A 
joint attack by land and sea was planned for the following day. 
On that morning the fleet of Lord Howe came in sight ; and 
D'Estaing sailed out to give battle. Just as the two squadrons 



FRANCE TO THE RESCUE. 



211 



were about to begin an engagement, a storm arose by which the 
fleets were parted and greatly damaged. D'Estaing repaired to 
Boston, and Howe returned to New York. 

9. Sullivan laid siege to Newport, but soon found it necessary 
to retreat. The British pursued, and a battle was fought in 
which the enemy was re- 
pulsed with a loss of two 
hundred and sixty men. 
On the following night, 
Sullivan succeeded in es- 
caping from the island. 
General Clinton returned 
to New York. 

10. The command of 
the British Aaval forces 
was now transferred to \2 
Admiral Byron. Early in 
October, a band of incen- 
diaries, led by Colonel Fer- 
guson, burned the Amer- 
ican ships at Little Egg 
Harbor. In the preceding 
July, Major John Butler, 
in command of sixteen hundred loyalists, Canadians, and Indians, 
marched into the valley of Wyoming, Pennsylvania. The set- 
tlement was defenceless. On the approach of the tories and 
savages, a few militia, old men, and boys, rallied to protect their 
homes. A battle was fought, and the patriots were routed. Tlie 
fugitives fled to a fort, which was crowded with women and 
children. Honorable terms were promised by Butler, and the 
garrison capitulated. On the 5th of July, the gates were opened 
and the barbarians entered. Immediately they began to plunder 
and butcher. Nearly all the prisoners fell under the hatchet and 
the scalping-knife. 

11. In November there was a similar massacre at Cherry Val- 
ley, New York. The invaders were led by Joseph Brandt, chief 

of the Mohawks, and Walter Butler, a son of Major John But- 
14 




JOSEl'll r.RA.NI) 



212 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ler. The people of Cherry Valley were driven from their homes; 
women and children were tomahawked and scalped ; and forty 
prisoners dragged into captivity. To avenge these outrages, an 
expedition was sent against the savages on the Susquehanna ; 
and they in turn were made to feel the terrors of war. In the 
spring of 1778, Major Clarke marched against the Indians west 
of the Alleghanies. The expedition descended to the mouth of 
the Ohio; and, on the 4th of the following July, captured Kas- 
kaskia. Other important posts were taken; and, on the 26th of 
February, 1779, Vincennes was forced to capitulate. 

12. On the 3d of November, Count d'Estaing's fleet sailed for 
the West Indies. In December Admiral Byron left New York 
to try the fortunes of war on the ocean. Colonel Campbell, with 
two thousand men, was sent by General Clinton for the conquest 
of Georgia. On the 29th of December, the expedition reached 
Savannah. The place was defended by General Robert Howe 
with eight hundred men. A battle was fought, and the Amer- 
icans were driven out of the city. The patriots crossed into 
South Carolina and found refuge at Charleston. Such was the 
only real conquest made by the British during the year 1778. 



Silas Deane is sent to France.— The Frencli favor the Americans.— Supplies are 
sent to the patriots.— Steuben arrives.— Lee and Franklin are appointed to 
negotiate a treaty.— Franklin's influence.— A treaty is concluded.— Sketch of 
Franklin.— Arrival of D'Estaing's fleet.— War threatened between France and 
England.— Efl'orts of Great Britain for peace.— The British fleet at Philadelphia. 
-The city evacuated.— Washington pursues.— The battle of Monmouth.— Lee 
disobeys orders.— Is court-martialed and dismissed.— Britisli concentrate at New 
York.— The city is threatened by D'Estaing.— He sails against Rhode Island.— 
Sullivan cooperates against Newport.— Howe follows D'Estaing.— Both squad- 
rons shattered by a storm.— The siege of Newport.— Abandonment of the enter- 
prise—Destruction of American shipping.— Byron succeeds Howe.— Marauding 
of the British.— The Wyoming massacre.— Ruin of Cllierry Valley.— The expedi- 
tion of Major Clarke.— The French and British fleets sail away.— A force is sent 
against Savannah.— Capture of the city. 



FRANCE TO THE RESCUE. 213 



CHAPTER XL. 

MOVEMENTS OF 79. 

THE winter of 1778-79 was ])asse(l by the American army at 
Middlebrook. There was much discouragement among the 
soldiers", for they were neither paid nor fed. But the influence 
of Washington prevented a mutiny. In February, Governor 
Tryon of New York marched with fifteen hundred regulars and 
tories to destroy the salt-works at Horse Neck, Connecticut. Gen- 
eral Putnam rallied the militia and made a brave defence. The 
Americans were finally outflanked by the British and obliged to 
fly. It was here that General Putnam, when about to be over- 
taken, spurred his horse down a precipice and escaped. 

2. In the latter part of May, Clinton sailed with an arma- 
ment up the Hudson to Stony Point. The garrison, unable to 
resist, escaped from the fortifications. On the first of June, the 
British bombarded Verplanck's Point, on the other side of the 
river, and compelled a surrender. In July, Tryon, with twenty-six 
hundred Hessians and tories, captured New Haven. East Haven 
and Fairfield were given to the flames. At Norwalk, while the 
village was burning, Tryon on a neighboring hill, sat in a rock- 
ing-chair and laughed heartily at the scene. 

3. On the 15th of July, General Wayne marched against Stony 
Point. In the evening, he halted near the fort and gave his 
orders. The British pickets were caught and gagged. Every- 
thing was done in silence. Muskets were unloaded and bayonets 
fixed ; not a gun was to be fired. The assault Avas made a little 
after midnight. The patriots never wavered in the charge. The 
ramparts were scaled ; and the British, finding themselves between 
two lines of bayonets, cried out for quarter. Sixty-three of the 
enemy fell ; the remaining five hundred and forty-three were made 



214 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

prisoners. Of the Americans only fifteen were killed and eighty- 
three wounded. General Wayne secured the ordinance and stores, 
and then destroyed the f(jrt. 

1, Three days afterward, Major Lee captured the British gar- 
rison at Jersey city. On the 25th of the niontli, a fleet was sent 
against a Bi'itish jwst at the mouth of the Penobscot. On the 
13th of August, while the American ships were besieging the post, 
they were attacked and destroyed by a British squadron. In the 
summer of this year, four thousand six hundred men, led by Gen- 
erals Sullivan and James Clinton, were sent against the Indians on 
the Susquehanna. At Elmira the savages and tories had fortified 
themselves ; but on the 29th of August, they were forced from 
their stronghold and utterly routed. The country between the 
Susquehanna and the Genesee was wasted l)y the patriots. Forty 
Indian villages were destroyed. 

5. On the 9th of January, 1779, Fort Sunl)ury, on St. 
Catherine's Sound, was captured by the British under General 
Prevost. This officer then assumed command of the British army 
in the South. A force of two thousand regulars and loyalists was 
despatched against Augusta. On the 29th of January, the British 
reached their destination, and Augusta was taken. 

6. In the mean time, the tories, who were adv^ancing to join the 
British at Augusta, were defeated by the patriots under Cajitain 
Anderson. On the 14th of February, they were agahi overtaken 
and routed by Colonel Pickens. Colonel Boyd, the tory leader, 
and seventy of his men were killed. Seventy-five others were 
captured, and five of the ringleaders hanged. The western half 
of Georgia was quickly recovered by the patriots. 

7. General Ashe was sent with two thousand men to intercept 
•the enemy. On the 25th of February, the Americans crossed 
the Savannah and pursued Campbell as far as Brier Creek. Here 
the patriots came to a halt ; and General Prevost, marching from 
Savannah, surrounded Ashe's command. A battle was fought on 
the 3d of March ; the Americans W'ere totally routed and driven 
into the swamps. By this defeat Georgia was again prostrated, 
and a royal government was established over the State. 

8. Within a month, General Lincoln was again in the field 



MOVEMENTS OF '79. 215 

with live tliousiiiid men. He advanced nj) the left bank of the 
river in the direction of Augusta; but, at the same time, Gen- 
eral Prevost crossed the Savannah and marched against Charles- 
ton. General Lincoln turned back to attack him, and the British 
made a hasty retreat. The Americans overtook the enemy at 
Stono Ferry, ten miles west of Charleston, but were repulsed with 
considerable loss. Prevost then fell l)ack to Savannah. From 
June until September, military 02:)erations were suspended. 

9. Count d'Estaing n(^w arrived with his fleet from tlie West 
Indies to cooperate with Lincoln in the reduction of Savannah. 
Prevost concentrated his forces for the defence of the city. On 
the 12th of September, the French, numbering six thousand, 
effected a landing, and advanced to the siege. Eleven days elapsed 
before General Lincoln arrived Avith his forces. On the 16th of the 
month, D'Estaing demanded a surrender; but Prevost answered with 
a message of defiance. The siege was pressed with vigor, and the city 
constantly bombarded. But the defences remained unshaken. At 
last D'Estaing notified Lincoln that the city must be stormed. It was 
determined to make the assault on the morning of the 9th of October. 

10. Before sunrise the allies advanced against the redoubts of 
the British. The attack was made with great vehemence. At one 
time it seemed that the w^orks would be carried. The flag^s of 
Carolina and France were planted on the parapet, but were soon 
hurled down. Sergeant Jasper, the hero of Fort Moultrie, was 
killed. The allied columns were driven back witli fearful losses. 
Count Pulaski was struck with a grape-shot, and borne dying from 
the field. D'Estaing retired on board the fleet, and Lincoln re- 
treated to Charleston. 

11. On the 23d of September, Paul Jones, cruising off tlie coast 
of Scotland with a fleet of French and American vessels, fell in 
with a British squadron, and a bloody battle ensued. The Serapi:^, 
a British frigate of forty-four guns, engaged the Poor Richard 
within jnusket-shot. At last the vessels were lashed together, 
and the Serapis struck her colors. Jones transferred his men to 
the conquered ship, and the Poor Richard went down. Of the 
three hundred and seventy-five men on board the fleet of Jones, 
three hundred were either killed or wounded. 



216 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

12. So closed the year 1779. The colonies were not yet free. 
The French alliance had brought but little benefit. The national 
treasury was bankrupt. The patriots of the army were pooiiy fed, 
and paid only with unkept promises. The disposition of Great 
Britain was still for war. The levies of sailors and soldiers made 
l)y Parliament, amounted to a hundred and twenty thousand ; 
while the expenses of the War Department w^ere set at twenty 
million pounds sterling. 



Hardships of the soldiers.— Tryon's expedition.— Is attacked by the militia.— 
Putnam's exploit.— Fall of Stony Point and Verplanck's.— Insurrection in Vir- 
ginia.— Tryon invades Connecticut.— Destruction of East Haven, Fairfield, and 
Norwalk.— Stony Point is retaken by Wayne.— Lee captures Jersey City.— 
An American flotilla is lost in the Penobscot.— Sullivan ravages the Indian 
country.— The British evacuate Rhode Island.— Fort Sunbury is taken.— Fall of 
Augusta.— Anderson defeats the tories.— Pickens gains a victory.— Augusta is 
evacuated.— Defeat of Lincoln's army.— He again takes the field.— Is beaten at 
Stono Ferry.— Suspension of activity.— D'Estaing arrives.— Siege of Savannah.— 
The assault.— Paul Jones's victory.— The situation. 



CHAPTER XLI. 
REVERSES AND TREASON. 

DURING the year 1780, military operations at the North were 
suspended. Early in July, Admiral De Ternay arrived at 
Newport with a French squadron and six thousand land-troops 
under Count Rochambeau. The Americans were greatly elated at 
the coming of their allies. In September, the commander-in-chief 
held a conference with Rochambeau, and the plans of future cam- 
paigns were determined. 

2, In the South the patriots suffered many reverses. South 
Carolina was completely overrun by the enemy. On the 11th of 
February, Admiral Arbuthnot anchored before Charleston. Sir 
Henry Clinton and five thousand men were on board the fleet. 



REVERSES AND TREASON. 



217 




The city was defended by fourteen hundred men, under General 
Lincoln. The British effected a landing, and advanced up the 
right bank of Asliley River. On the 7th of April, Lincoln was 
reinforced by seven hundred Virginians. Two days afterward, 
Arbuthnot succeeded in passing Fort 
JNIoultrie, and came within cannon-shot 
jf tlie city. 

3. A siege was at once begun, and 
prosecuted with vigor. Lincoln sent 
three hundred men under General Hu- 
ger to scour the country north of Cooper 
River. Apprised of this movement, 
Tarleton with the British cavalry stole 
upon Huger's forces at Monk's Corner, sikge of Charleston, itso. 
and dispersed the whole company. The city was now fairly hemiiied 
in. From the beginning the defence was hopeless. The fortifica- 
tions were beaten down, and Lincohi, dreading an assault, agreed 
to capitulate. On the 12th of May, Charleston was surrendered 
to the British, and the garrison became prisoners of war. 

4. A few days before the surrender, Tarleton surprised and 
dispersed a body of militia on the Santee. Afterward three ex- 
peditions were sent into different sections of the State. The 
American post at Ninety-Six was seized. A second detachment 
invaded the country on the Savannah. Cornwallis crossed the 
Santee and captured Georgetown. Tarleton with seven hundred 
cavalry overtook the Americans under Colonel Buford, on the 
Waxhaw, charged upon and scattered the whole command. 

5. The authority of Great Britain was reestablished over South 
Carolina. Clinton and Arbuthnot returned to New York, and 
Cornwallis was left to hold the conquered territory. Li this con- 
dition of affairs, Thomas Sumter and Francis Marion appeared 
as the protectors of the State. They rallied the militia and began 
an audacious partisan warfare. Detachments of the British were 
swept off as though an enemy had fallen on them from the skies. 
At Rocky Mount, Colonel Sumter burst upon a party of dragoons, 
who barely saved themselves. On the 6th of August, he attacked 
a detachment at Hanging Rock, defeated them and retreated. It 



218 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



was ill tliis battle that young Andrew Jackson, then but thirteen 
years of age, began his career as a soldier. 

0. ^Marion's company consisted of twenty men and boys, white 
and black, half clad and poorly armed. But the number increased, 

and the "Ragged Regi- 




ment 
terror 
There 
when 
sword 
leader 



soon became a 
to the enemy, 
was no telling 
or where the 
of the fearless 
would fall. 



FRANCIS MARION. 



advanced into the Carolinas. 



From the swamps at 
midnight he and his 
men Avould suddenly 
dart upon the encamp- 
ments of the enemy. 
During the summer and 
autumn of 1 780 he swept 
around Cornwallis's po- 
sitions, cutting his lines 
of communication and 
making incessant onsets. 
7. General Gates now 
Lord Rawdon concentrated his forces 
at Camden. Hither came Cornwallis with reinforcements. The 
Americans took post at Clermont. Cornwallis and Gates each formed 
the design of surprising the other in the night. On the evening of 
the 15th of August, they both moved from their camps and met mid- 
way on Sander's Creek. After a severe battle the Americans were 
completely defeated, with a loss of more than a thousand men. Baron 
De Kalb was mortally wounded. The reputation of Gates was blown 
away like chaff, and he was superseded by General Greene. 

8. A few days after the battle, Sumter's corps was overtaken 
by Tarleton at Fishing Creek and completely routed. Only 
Marion remained to harass the enemy. On the 8th of Septem- 
ber, the British advanced into North Carolina, and on the 25th 
reached Charlotte, Colonel Ferguson, with eleven hundred reg- 



REVERSES AND TREASON. 



219 



iilars and torics, was sent into the country west of the Catawba 
to encourage the loyalists. On the 7th of October, while he and 
his men were encamped on King's Mountain, they were attacked 
bv a thousand riflemen led by Colonel Campbell. A desperate 
battle ensued; Fer- 
guson was slain, and 
thi-ee hundred of his 
men Avcre killed or 
wounded. The re- 
maining eight hun- 
dred threw down 
their arms and beg- 
ged for quarter. 
Ten of the leading 
tory prisoners were 
condemned by a 
court-m a r t i a 1 and 
hanged. 

9. Meanwhile, the 
credit of the nation 
was sinking to the 
lowest ebb. Con- 
gress resorted to pa 
per money 




SCENE OF OPEKATIONS IN THE SOUTH, 1780-81. 

At first the continental bills were received at par; 
but the value of the notes rapidly diminished, until, by the mid- 
dle of 1780, they were not worth two cents to the dollar. Busi- 
ness was paralyzed for tlie want of a currency ; but Robert Morris 
and a few other wealthy patriots came forward with their private 
fortunes and saved the colonies from ruin. The mothers of 
America also lent a helping hand ; and the patriot soldiers were 
supplied with food and clothing. 

10. In the midst of the gloom, the country was shocked by the 
news that Benedict Arnold had turned traitor. After the battle 
of Bemis's Heights, in the fall of 1777, he had been promoted to 
the rank of major-general, and made commandant of Philadelphia. 
Here he married the daughter of a loyalist, and entered upon a 
career of extravagance which overwhelmed him with debt. He 



220 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



then began a system of frauds on the commissary department of 
the army. Charges were preferred against him by Congress, and 
he was convicted by a court-martial. 

11, Seeming to forget his disgrace, Arnold obtained command of 
the fortress of West Point on the Hudson. On the last day of 
July, 1780, he assumed control of the arsenal and depot of stores 

at that place. He then entererl 
into a secret correspondence with Sir 
Henry Clinton, and finally offered t(; 
betray his country for gold. It was 
agreed that the British fleet should 
ascend the Hudson, and that the gar- 
rison and the fortress should be given 
u}) without a struggle. 

12. On the 21st of September, 
Clinton sent Major John Andre to 
hold a conference with Arnold and 
make arrangements for the surrender. 
Andre, who was adjutant-general of 
the British army, Avent in full uni- 
form ; and the meeting was held out- 




sc'ENE OF ARNOLD'S TitEAsoN, 1780. giclc of tlic AmeHcan lines. About 
midnight of the 21st, he went ashore from the Vulture, and met 
Arnold in a thicket. Daydawn approached, and the conspirators 
entered the American lines. Andre, disguising himself, assumed 
the character of a s])y. 

13. During the next day, the business was completed. Arnold 
agreed to surrender West Point for ten thousand pounds and a 
commission as brigadier in the British army. Andre received 
papers containing a description of West Point, its defences, and the 
best method of attack. During that day, an American battery 
drove the Vulture down the river; and Andre was obliged to cross 
to the other side and return by land. He passed the American 
outposts in safety; but at Tarrytown he was confronted by three 
militiamen^ who strii)ped him, found his papers, and delivered 



-John Paulding, David Williams and Isaac van Wart. Congress atterward rewarded 
them with silver medals and pensions for life. 



THE END. 221 

him to Colonel Jameson at North Castle. Arnold, on hearing the 
news, escaped on board the Vulture. Andre was tried by a court- 
martial at Tappan, and condennied to death. On the 2d of Oc- 
tober, he was led to the gallows, and, under the stern code of war, 
was hanged. 

14. For several years Holland had favored the Americans; now^ 
she began negotiations for a treaty similar to that between France 
and the United States. Great Britain discovered the purposes of 
tlie Dutch government, and remonstrated. On the 20th of De- 
cember, an open declaration of war was made. Thus the Nether- 
lands were added to the enemies of England. 



Operations in tlae North suspended.— Ternay's fleet arrives.— Campaigns are 
planned.— Arbutli not and CJinton besiege Charleston.— Tlie city is taken.— Rav- 
ages of Tarleton.— Plan of the British to conquer South Carolina.— Capture of 
Ninety-Six.— Cornwallis's and Tarleton's successes.— South Carolina is subju- 
gated.— Clinton returns to New York.— Marion's and Sumter's bands.— Their 
victories.— Gates takes command.— The British at Camden.— Gates advances 
against them.— fs defeated.— fs superseded by Greene.— Sumter's corps is broken 
wp.— Rawdon advances into North Carolina.— Ferguson's tories are defeated.— 
Financial distresses.— Sacrifices of Morris.— The treason of Arnold.— Andr6 is 
sent to a conference.— The interview.— Andre is captured, condemned and ex- 
ecuted.— Treaty witli Holland. 



CHAPTER XLII. 
THE END. 



FOR the Americans, the year 1781 opened gloomily. The con- 
dition of the army was desperate — no food, no pay, no clothing. 
On the first day of January, the whole Pennsylvania line mutinied 
and marched on Phihulelphia. At Princeton they were met by 
emissaries from Sir Henry Clinton, and were tempted with offers 
of money and clothing if they would desert the American standard. 



222 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The patriots answered by seizing the British agents and delivering 
them to General Wayne to be hanged. The commissioners of 
Congress offered the insurgents a large reward, but the reward was 
refused; and a few liberal concessions on the part of the govern- 
ment quieted the mutiny. 

2. About the middle of the month, the New Jersey brigade re- 
volted. This movement Washington quelled by force. General 
Howe marched to the camp with five hundred regulars and com- 
pelled the mutineers to execute their own leaders. From that 
day order was restored. Congress was thoroughly alarmed. An 
agent was sent to France to obtain a loan of money. Robert Mor- 
ris was appointed secretary of finance ; and the Bank of North 
America was organized to aid the government. 

3. On arriving at New York, Arnold received his commission as 
brigadier in the British army. In the preceding November, Wash- 
ington and Major Lee had attempted to capture him. Sergeant 
John Champe undertook the work, deserted to the enemy, entered 
New York, joined Ai'nold's company, and concerted measures to 
abduct him from the city. But Arnold moved his quarters, and 
the plan was defeated. A month afterward, he was given com- 
mand of sixteen hundred men, and, on the IGth of December, left 
New York for Virginia. 

4. In January the traitor began war on' his countrymen. His 
proceedings were marked with much ferocity. In the vicinity of 
Richmond a vast quantity of property was destroyed. Arnold then 
took up his headquarters in Portsmouth ; and Washington again 
planned his capture. The French fleet was ordered to cooperate 
with La Fayette in the attempt. But Admiral Arbuthnot drove 
the French squadron back to Rhode Island. La Fayette abandoneil 
the undertaking, and Arnold again escaped. 

5. In April General Phillips arrived at Portsmouth and assumed 
command of the army. In May Phillips died, and for seven days 
Arnold held the supreme command of the British forces in Vir- 
ginia. On the 20th of the month. Lord Cornwallis arrived and 
ordered him to begone. Returning to New York, he made an 
expedition against New London, in his native State. Fort Gris- 
wold, which was defended by Colonel Ledyard, was carried by 



THE END. 223 

storm. When Lcdyard surrendered, seventy-three of the garrison 
were murdered in cold blood, 

6. General Greene was now in command of the American army 
at Charlotte, North Carolina. Early in January, General Morgan 
was sent into the Spartanburg district of South Carolina to repress 
the tories. Colonel Tarleton followed with his cavalry. The Amer= 
icans took a position at the Cowpens, where, on the 17th of January, 
they were attacked by the British. Tarleton made the onset with 
impetuosity; but Morgan's men bravely held their ground. At last 
the American cavalry, under Colonel William Washington, made 
a charge and scattered the British dragoons like chaff. Ten British 
officers and ninety privates were killed. 

7. AVhen Cornwallis heard of the battle, he marched up the 
river to cut off Morgan's retreat. But Greene hastened to the 
camp of Morgan and took command in person. On the 28th of 
January, the Americans reached the Catawba and crossed to the 
northern bank. Within two hours the British arrived at the ford. 
During the night the rain poured down in torrents; the river was 
swollen to a flood ; and it was many days before the British could 
cross. Then began a race for the Yadkin. 

8. The distance was sixty miles. In two days the Americans 
reached the river. The crossing was nearly effected, when the 
British appeared in sight. That night the Yadkin was made im- 
passable by rains, and Cornwallis was again delayed. On the 9th 
of February, the British succeeded in crossing. The lines of retreat 
and pursuit were now nearly parallel. A third time the race began, 
and again the Americans won it. On the 13th, Greene, with the 
main division, crossed the Dan into Virginia. 

9. On the 22d of February, General Greene returned into North 
Carolina. Meanwhile, Cornwallis had sent Tarleton into the region 
between the Haw and Deep Eivers to encourage the tories. Three 
hundred loyalists were already under arms in that neighborhood. 
While marching to join Tarleton, they were intercepted, and the 
entire company dispersed by Colonel Lee. 

10. Greene's army now numbered more than four thousand men. 
Determining to avoid battle no longer, he marched to Guilford 
Court-House. Cornwallis moved forward to the attack. On the 



224 EISTORY OF THE UNITED ;STATI!>^. 

15th of March, the two armies met, and a severe but indecisive 
battle was fouglit. The Americans were driven back for several 
miles ; but in killed and wounded the British loss was greatest. 

11. Early in April, Cornwallis retreated to Wilmington, and 
then proceeded to Virginia. The British forces in the Carolinas 
remained under Lord Rawdon. The American army soon ad- 
vanced into South Carolina and captured Fort Watson, on the 
San tee. Greene took post at Hobkirk's Hill, near Camden. On 
the 25th of April, Rawdon moved against the American camp. 
A severe battle ensued ; and for a while it seemed that the British 
would be routed. At last, however, the American centre was 
broken, and the day lost. 

12. On the 10th of May, Lord Rawdon retired to Eutaw Springs. 
The British posts at Orangeburg and Augusta fell into the hands 
of the patriots. Ninety-Six was besieged by General Greene. The 
supply of water was cut off from the fort, and the garrison reduced 
to the point of surrendering, when Rawdon approached, and the 
Americans were obliged to retreat. General Greene passed the 
sickly months of summer in the hill-country of the Santee. 

13. Sumter, Lee, and Marion were constantly abroad, smiting 
the tories right and left. Lord Rawdon now went to Charleston 
and became a principal actor in one of the most shameful scenes 
of the Revolution. Colonel Isaac Hayne, a patriot who had once 
taken an oath of allegiance to the king, was caught in command 
of a troo}) of American cavalry. He was arraigned before Colonel 
Balfour, the commandant of Charleston, and condemned to death. 
Rawdon gave his sanction, and Colonel Hayne was hanged. 

14. On the 22d of August, General Greene marched toward 
Orangeburg. The British retired to Eutaw Springs. There the 
Americans overtook them on the 8th of September. One of the 
fiercest battles of the war ensued ; and General Greene was denied 
a decisive victory only by the bad conduct of some of his troops. 
After losing five hundred and fifty-five men, he gave over the 
struggle. The British lost in killed and wounded nearly seven 
hundred. Stuart retreated to Monk's Corner; Greene followed; 
and after two months of manoeuvring, the British were driven into 
Charleston. In the whole South only Charleston and Savannah 



THE END. 



225 



were now held by the king's army; the latter city was evacuated 
on the 11th of July, and the former on the 14th of December, 
1782. Such was the close of the Kevolution in the Carolinas and 
Georgia. 

15. In the beginning of May, 1781, Cornwallis took command 
of the British 
army in Virgin- 
ia. The country 
was ravaged, 
and property de- 
stroyed to the 
value of fifteen 
million dollars. 
La Fayette, to 
whom the de- 
fence of the State 
had been en- 
trusted, was un- 
able to meet 
Cornwallis in the 
field. While the 
British were near 
Richmond, a de- 
tachment under 
Tarleton pro- 
ceeded to Cliar- 
lottesville, and 
captured the 

t(jwn and seven members of the legislature, 
escaped into the mountains. 

16. On the 6th of July, General Wayne, who led La Fayette's 
advance, suddenly attacked the whole British army, at Green Springs 
on the James. Cornwallis was surprised by the audacious onset, and 
AVayne, seeing his mistake, made a hasty retreat. The loss of the 
two armies was equal, being a hundred and twenty on each side. The 
British next marched to Portsmouth ; but early in August, the army 
was conveyed to Yorktown, on the southern bank of York Eiver. 




GENERAL GREENE. 



Governor Jefferson 



226 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



17. La Fayette followed and took j^ost eight miles from the 
British. During the months of July and August, Washington, from 
his camp on the Hudson, looked wistfully to the South. Clinton 
was kept in alarm by false despatches, written for the purj^ose of 
falling into his hands. These intercepted messages indicated that the 
Americans would immediately besiege New York. When Clinton 
was informed that Washington was marching toward Virginia, he 
would not believe it. Washington pressed rapidly forward, and 
joined La Fayette at Williamsburg. On the oOth of August, a 

French fleet, with 
four thousand troops 
on board, reached the 
Chesapeake and an- 
chored in the mouth 
of York River. Corn- 
wallis was blockaded 
by sea and land. 

18. Count de Bar- 
ras, who commanded 
the French flotilla at 
Newport, also arriv- 
ed. On the 5th of 
September, Admiral 
Graves appeared in 
^'^ Lkgk..fyurkt.,wn,,m;toLu. 17M. the bay, and a naval 

battle ensued, in wdiich the British ships were roughly handled. On 
the 28th, the allied armies encamped around Yorktown. On the 
night of the 6th of October, the trenches w'ere opened at the distance 
of six hundred yards from the British works. On the 11th, the allies 
drew their second parallel within three hundred yards of Cornwallis's 
redoubts. On the night of the 14th, the enemy's outer works were 
carried by storm. On the 16th the British made a sortie, but were 
repulsed. On the next day Cornwallis proposed a surrender ; on the 
18th, terms of capitulation were signed; and on the afternoon of the 
19th, the whole British army, consisting of seven thousand two 
hundred and forty-seven English and Hessian soldiers laid down 
their arms and became prisoners of war. 





Lightlnfantry^ 
..„,,.^^~ — "Va-Militia 

I.aFavetie — "— "" "fj 

.^ '^•(i^ GiJftNelson 

ii.Kdox 



THE END., 



227 



19. On the evening of the 23d, the news was borne to Congress. 

On the morrow, the members went in concourse with the citizens to 

the Dutch Lutheran church and turned the afternoon into a thanks- 

crivhig. The note of rejoicing sounded throughout the hind. In 

England the king and his ministers heard the tidings with rage; 

but tlie English people 

were secretly pleased. On 

the 20th of March, 1782, 

Lord North and his friends 

resigned their offices. A 

new ministry was formed, 

favorable to peace. The 

command of the British 

forces in the United States 

was transferred to Sir Guy 
Carleton, a man friendly to 
American interests. 

20. In the summer of 
1782, Richard Oswald was 
sent by Parliament to Par- 
is, to confer w^ith Franklin 
and Jay in regard to the 
terms of peace. John 
Adams and Henry Laurens also entered into the negotiations. On 
the 30th of November, preliminary articles of peace were signed; 
and in the following April, the terms were ratified by Congress. 
On the 3d of September, 1783, a final treaty was effected between 
all the nations that had been at war. 

2L The terms of the Treaty of 1783 were these: A complete 
recognition of the independence of the United States; the cession 
by Great Britain of Florida to Spain ; the surrender of the remain- 
ing territory east of the Mississippi to the United States; the free 
navigation of the Mississippi and the lakes; and the retention by 
Great Britain of Canada and Nova Scotia. 

22. Early in August, Sir Guy Carleton received instructions to 
evacuate New York city. By the 25th of November, every thing 
was in readiness; the British army was embarked; the .sails were 
1£ 




LORD CORNWALLl 



228 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

spread; the ships stood out to sea; dwindled to white specks on 
the horizon; disappeared. The Briton uas gone. Alter the 
struggles of an eight years' war the patriots had achieved their 
independence. 

23. On the 4th of December, Washington assembled his officers 
and bade them a final adieu. When they were met, he spoke a few 
affectionate words to his comrades, who came forward, and witli 
tears and sobs bade him farewell. Washington then departed to 
Annapolis, where Congress was in session. At Philadelphia he 
made a rejwrt of his expenses during the war. The accoiuit, in 
his own handwriting, embraced an expenditure of seventy-f )ur thou- 
sand four hundred and eighty -five dollars — all c(n-rect to a cent. 

24:. The route of the chief to Annapolis was a continuous tri- 
umph. The people by thousands flocked to the roadsides to see 
him pass. On the 23d of December, Washington was introduced 
to Congress, and delivered an address full of wisdom and modesty. 
With great dignity he surrendered his commission as commander- 
in-chief of the army. General Mifflin, the president of Congress, 
responded in an eloquent manner, and then the hero retired to 
his home at INIount N'^ernon. 



Desperate condition of tlie arniy.—Tlie Pennsylvania and Jersey lines 
revolt.— Robert Morris secretary of finance.— Champe attempts to capture 
Arnold.— Arnold's expedition to Virginia.— Second plan to capture him.— 
He becomes coinmander-in-chief in Virginia.— Is superseded.— Leads a band 
into Connecticut.— Captures Fort Griswold.— Greene advances into South Caro- 
lina.— Morgan at the Cowpens.— Corn wall is attempts to cut off his retreat.- 
Greene takes command.— Crosses the Catawba.— Race for the Yadkin.— Greene 
wins it.— Race for the Dan.— Greene wins it.— Turns upon the enemy.— Lee 
disperses the tories.— Greene moves to Guilford.— An indecisive battle.— The 
British retreat to Wilmington.— Cornwallis goes to Virginia.-The Americans 
advance into South Carolina.— The battle of Hobkirk's Hill.— The siege of 
Ninety-Six.— Greene in Ihe highlands.— Sumter, Lee, and Marion oveiTun the 
country.— Execution of Haj-ne.— The battle of Eutaw Springs.— The British re- 
treat to niarleston.— The campaign in Virginia.— Cornwallis ravages the State- 
Is attacked by Wayne.— Proceeds to Yorktown.— The Army of the North comes 
down upon him.— The French fleet cooperates.— Yorktown is besieged.— And 
Cornwallis's army taken.— Rejoicings.— Fall of the king's party in Parliament.— 
Negotiations for peace.— A treaty is concluded.— Its terms.— Carleton supersedes 
Clinton.— Evacuation of New York.— Washington retires to private life. 



CONFEDERATIOJS' AND UNION. 229 



CHAPTER XLITL 
CONFEDERATION AND UNION. 

DURING the progress of the Revolution the civil government 
of the United States was in a deplorable condition. Nothing 
but the peril of the country had, in the first place, led to the calling 
of a Congress. When that body assembled, it had no constitution 
nor power of efficient action. The two great wants of the country 
were money to carry on the war and a central authority to direct the 
war. Whenever Congress would attempt a firmer government, the 
movement would be checked by the remonstrance of the colonies. 

2. Foremost of those who worked for better government was 
Benjamin Franklin. In 1775 he laid before Congi'ess the plan of a 
perpetual confederation of the States. But the attention of that 
body was occupied with the stirring events of the war, and Frank- 
lin's measure received little notice. Congress, without any real 
authority, began to conduct the government, and its legislation was 
generally accepted by the States. 

3. On the 11th of June, 1776, a committee was appointed by 
Congress to prepare a plan of confederation. After a month the 
work was completed and laid before the house. The debates on 
the subject continued at intervals until the 15th of November, 
1777, when a vote was taken in Congress, and the articles of con- 
federation were adopted. The next step was to transmit the 
articles to the State legislatures for ratification. By them the new 
frame of government was returned to Congress with many amend- 
ments. These having been considered, the articles were signed 
by the delegates of eight States, on the 9th of July, 1778. Be- 
fore the following February, the representatives of Georgia, North 
Carolina, New Jersey, and Delaware had signed the compact. 
Maryland did not assent until March of 1781. 



230 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

4. The government of the United States under the confeder- 
ation was A Loose Union of Independent Commonwealths. 
The executive and legislative powers were vested in Congress— a 
body composed of not less than two nor more than seven rej^resen- 
tatives from each State. The sovereignty was reserved to the 
States. There was no chief magistrate of the Republic ; and no 
general judiciary was provided for. The consent of nine States 
was necessary to comj^lete an act of legislation. The union was 
declared to be perpetual. 

5. On the 2d of March, 1781, Congress assembled under the 
new form of government. From the first, the inadequacy of that 
government was manifest. Congress had no real authority. The 
first duty was to provide for the payment of the war debt of 
thirty-eight million dollars. Congress recommended a general tax 
to meet the indebtedness. Some of the States made a levy for that 
purpose; others refused. Robert Morris was brought to poverty 
in a vain effort to sustain the government. 

6. In this condition of aflTairs, Washington advised the calling 
of a convention to meet at Annapolis. The proposition was re- 
ceived with favor; and in September of 1786 the representatives 
of five States assembled. The question of a tariff" was discussed ; 
and then attention was given to a revision of the articles of con- 
federation. It was finally resolved to adjourn until the following 
year. Congress invited the legislatures to appoint delegates to the 
convention. All of the States except Rhode Island responded; and 
on the second IMonday in May, 1787, the representatives assembled 
at Philadel})hia. Washington was chosen president of the conven- 
tion. On the 29th of the month, Edmund Randolph introduced a 
resolution to adopt a new constitution. A committee was accord- 
ingly ap})ointed to revise the articles of confederation. Early in 
September, the report of the committee was adopted ; and that 
report was the (Constitution of the United States.* 

7. On the question of adopt'uig the Constitution the people were 
divided. Those who favored the new government were called 
Fedekalists; those who opposed, Anti-Federalists. The lead- 
ers of the former were AVashington, Jay, Madison, and Hamil- 
ton, the latter statesman throwiug his whole energies into the 

* See Appendix. 



CONFEDERATION AND (rNION. 



231 



controversy. In the papers called tho Federalist he and Madison 
answered every objection of the anti-Federal party. To Hamil- 
ton the Repnblic owes a debt of gratitude for having established 
on a firm basis the true principles of free government. 

8. Under the Constitution the powers of government are ar- 
ranged under three 
heads— Legisla- 
tive, Executive, 
and Judicial. 
The legislative 
power is vested in 
Congress — com- 
posed of a Senate 
and a House of 
Representatives. 
The Senators are - 
chosen, for a term 
of six years, l)y the 
legislatures of the 
several States. 
Each State is rep- 
res en ted l)y two 
Senators. The 
Representatives are 
elected by the peo- 
ple ; and each State 
is entitled to a number of representatives proportionate to its popu- 
lation The mem])ers of tliis branch are chosen for two years. 

9. The executive power of the United States is vested in a 
President, chosen for four years by the Electoral College. The 
electors composing the college are chosen by the people; and eacli 
State is entitled to a number of electors equal to the nun.ber of 
its representatives and senators in Congress. The duty of the 
President is to enforce the laws of Congress in accordance with the 
Cmstitution. He is also commander-in-chief of the armies and 
navies. In case of the death or resignation of the President, the 
Vice-President becomes chief magistrate. 




ALEXANUtR HAMILTON. 



232 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

10. The judicial power of the United States is vested in a su- 
preme court and in inferior courts established by Congress. The 
highest judicial officer is the chief-justice. The judges hold their 
offices during life or good behavior. The right of trial by jury 
is granted in all cases except the impeachment of public officers. 
Treason against the United States consists in levying wai against 
them, or in giving aid to their enemies. 

11. The Constitution provides that new territories may be or- 
ganized and new States admitted iut(^ the Union; that to every 
State shall be guaranteed a republican government; and that the 
Constitution may be altered or amended by the consent of two- 
thirds of both houses of Congress and three-fourths of tlie legis- 
latures of the States. In accordance with this provision, fifteen 
amendments have since been made to the Constitution. 

12. Before the end of 1788, eleven States had adopted the Con- 
stitution. The new government was to go into operation when 
nine States should ratify. For a while, North Carolina and Rhode 
Island hesitated. In accordance witli an act of Congress, the first 
Wednesday of January, 1789, was named as the time for the elec- 
tion of a chief-magistrate. The people had but one voice as to the 
man who should be honoi'ed with that higli trust. Early in April, 
the ballots of the electors were counted, and George Washington 
was unanimously chosen President and John Adams Vice-President 
of the United States. On the 14th of the month, Washington re- 
ceived notification of his election, and departed for New York. 
His route was a constant triumph. With this event the era of 
nationality in the New Republic is ushered in. 



Bad condition of tlie government.— Franklin pleads for union.— A commit- 
tee appointed to prepare a Constitution.— The Articles of Confederation are 
adopted.— The colonies are slow to ratify.— The confederation. -Defects of the 
same.— A firmer Constitution is projected.— The convention at Annapolis,— Ad- 
journment to Philadelphia. -The Constitution is reported to the convention.— 
And adopted.— The peo])lc divide on the question.— Hamilton.— Character of 
tlie Constitution.— Amendments thereto.— Ratification by eleven States.— Wash- 
ington is chosen President.— John Adams for llie vice-presidency. 



TAUT Y. 
NATIONAL PERIOD 

A. D. 17H9~ 1890. 



CHAPTER XLIV. 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION, 1789-1797. 

ON the 30th of April, 1789, Washington was inaugurated first 
President of the United States. The ceremony was performed 
on the balcony of the ^ ~ '- ^^ 

old City Hall, on the ^^ ^^. '""-^ 

site of the Custom- 
House, in AVall street. 
Chancellor Livingston 
of New York adminis- 
tered the oath of office. 
The streets and house- 
tops were thronged 
with people ; flags flut- 
tered ; cannon boom- 
ed from the Battery. 
Washington retired to 
the Senate chamber 
and delivered his in- 
augural address. Con- 
gress had already been 
organized. 

2. The new govern- 
ment was embarrassed 
with many difficulties. 
By the treaty of 1788 
the free navigation of the Mississippi had been guaranteed. Now 

(233J 




WASHINGTON. 



234 histohy of the united states. 

the Spaniards of New Orleans hindered the passage of American 
ships. On the frontier the Ked men were at war with the settlers. 
As to financial credit, the United States had none. 

3. On the 10th of September, an act was passed by Congress 
instituting a department of foreign affairs, a treasury department 
and a department of war. Washington nominated Jefferson as 
secretary of foreign affairs; Knox, secretary of war; and Hamil- 
ton, secretary of the treasury. A supreme court was also organ- 
ized, John Jay receiving the appointment of first chief-justice. 
Edmund Randolph was chosen attorney-general. Meanwhile, the 
objections of North Carolina and Rhode Island were removed, 
and both States ratified the Constitution, the former in November 
of 1789, and the latter in the following May. 

4. The war debt of the United States, including the revolu- 
tionary expenses of the several States, amounted to nearly eighty 
million dollars. Hamilton adopted a broad and honest policy. 
His plan proposed that the debt of the United States due to 
American citizens, as w^ell as the debt of the individual States, 
should be assumed by the general government, and that all shoidcl 
be fully paid. By this measure the credit of the country was vastly 
improved. Hamilton's financial schemes were violently opposed by 
Mr. Jefferson and the anti-Federal party. 

5. The question of fixing the seat of government was next dis- 
cussed ; and it was agreed to establish the capital for ten years at 
Philadelphia, and afterward at some locality on the Potomac. The 
next measure was the organization of the territory south-west of the 
Ohio. In 1790 a war broke out with the Miami Indians. These 
tribes went to war to recover the lands which they had ceded to the 
United States. In September General Harmar, with fourteen hun- 
dred men, marched from Fort Washington, on the present site of 
Cincinnati, to the Maumee. On the 21st of October, the army 
was defeated with great loss at a ford of this stream. General 
Harmar retreated to Fort Washington. 

0. In 1791 THE Bank of the United States was established 
by an act of Congress. On the 4th of March, Vermont, which 
had been an independent territory since 1777, was admitted into 
the Union as the fourteenth State. The claim of New York to 



1789 93 97 1801 5 9 


French 


Revolution. 


Napoleon 


Bonaparte. 








93. Fall of theCiiro 


ndists. y9.0verth 


row of the French 


Directory. 8.Th 


e Milan Decree 




93. Execution ofLo 


uia XVr. 99. Napol 


eon, First Consul. 


8.Th 


e Peninsnls 




93. Beigii of Te 




Murry, minister at 


France. 


9. Divorce of J( 




94. Fall of Rob 


espierre. 

97. Pinckney order 


4.Na 
ed to leave France. 


poleon Emperor. 
^^ Trafalgar. 


9. B^ Wagram 




94. Partition of 


Poland. 




lU. Marria 


Oeoree III. 


93. British depreda 


tioiis on neutral co 


mmerce. 


W^xAttsterlitz. 


1 




94. Jay forms 


a treaty with Great 


Britain. 


11. Th 




96. G 


reat political disiu 


ibanoes in Englan 


u. 7. Treaty 


of Tilsit. 1 








4.Th 


e great Irish rebell 


ion. 






1800. 


J|| M-areni;o. 


.5. Revival of the 
6. Blockade of 

8. Or 


Rule of 175< 

the coast from 
ders in council. 


Washington, 


President. 


John Adams, 


President. 




James Ma 

GEOBCii: < 


JOHN ADA9I 


S, Vice-President. 




JeflFerson, Pre 


sident. 












9. The Embarg 


Jefferson, Secreta 


ry of State. 


JEFFERSON, 


Vice-President. 




9. Mr.Erskine 
cil" shall b 


Hamilton, Secret 


ary of Treasury. 




AARON BVB 


B, Vice-President. 


9. Harrison's tr 
10. Popu 


Knox, Secretary 


of War. 


98. War with 


France. 




11-1 


John Jay, Chief-J 


ustice. 


98. Wasliin 


eton re-appointed 
der-in-chief. 










comman 




Edmond Randolp 


h, Attorney-Gener 


al. 






11. ri 




, 


98. Hamilton, 


first major-general. 




11. E 


North Carolina ra 


tifies the Constituti 


on. 






1 






99. fVas 


biing^ton dies at 


Mt. Vernon, a. 67. 


1 


90. Rhode Isla 


lid ratifies the Cons 


titution. 


1. John Marshall, 


Chief-Justice. 


1 
1 


90. Seat of gov 


ernmentat Philade 


Iphia. 






1 






18(KJ. 


Treaty with Franc 


e. 




90. Population 


.3,929,214. 




3. Ohio admi 


tted into the Union. 


1 

1 


91. Bank 


of the United States 


established. 






1 


9,.Pjs 




ISOO. 


Indiana Terrilo 


ry organized. 


1 


/. Clair's defeat. 








1 




1800. 


Passage of the alien 


and sedition laws. 


91. Ver 


moni admitted in 


to the Union. 






1 








3. Purcha 


se of lionisiana. 


92. 


Kentucky admi 


tted into the Union . 














3. War 


with the Barb 


ary States. 


92. 


Washington, r 


e-elected Presiden 


t. 












4. H 


amilton killed in a 


duel. 1 


92. J 


obn Adams, re- 


elected Vice Presid 


ent. 












4. jr 


efferson re-elect 


ed President. 




93. Genet, French 


minister at Philade 


Iphia. 


Oeorge Clinto 


n, Vice-Presid 




94. The Whisk 


y Insuriectiou. 










94.1|\ Wayn 






■>. Miehigran Ter 


ritory organize 




'»' s victory. 














r>. Lewis and Clar 


k's expedition. 




95. Jay's 


Treaty. 




6. Burr's cons 


piracy. 






ISOO. 


Removal of the seat 
WashmgtonCity, 


of government to 
D.C. 








ed into the Union. 


'•©15 


fack on the 










hesapealce. 






1,S(«). 


Population, 












.'■.,:{08,4,S3. 


7. Passage 


of theEra- 










bargo 
7.Thefl 


.\ct. 




I.OUI 


SIANA," 


rst SteanibtJ 




a Fre 


ncli Prov-. 








iiioe. 




7. Burr tr 


ied for treason. 


CMJKlfiir TV^. 














ntinii. 










Natioual Pi 


^vinil^-FiM Sfi 




A. D. 1789-1837. 

























13 



17 



SI 



S5 



39 



33 1837 



• 14. Deposition 


of Napoleon. 


21. Napoleon dies. 


Frederick 


William. 




rt^ar. 15. Treaty 


of Paris. 




27. Ackno 


wledgment of the 


independence of 


ine. 


20. 


eorge IV. 






Greece. 


f Napoleon to Ma 


aterloo. 






30. The Frenc 


h Revolution and 


24. C 


harles X. 




election of liou- 


ria Louisa. 








is Philippe. 


vasiou of Russia. 






28. A 


bolition of the Test 


Act. 


inceoflVales 


becomes Regent. 






30. Polish rev 


olution. 


sHeieagh Secrela 


rv of Foreign Aflai 


rs. 




31. Fall of 


Warsaw. 


14. Treaty of 


Ghent. 






30. l¥illiani 


IV. 


15. Rise 01 


the Radical party 


in England. 




32. P 


assage of the Great 


; to Elba. 










Reform Bill by 


16. P 


arliamentary refor 


ms. 






Pnrliiiinent. 


»11, President. 


James Monro 


e^ President. 


John Q. Ada 


mSj President. 




fTON, again Vic 


e-President. 




Andrew Jack 


son, President. 




DANIEL. TOINL 


PKINS, Vice-Pr 


esident. 


JOHN C. CAL. 


HOITN, again V.- 


t repealed. 


17. Treaty witli the 


Northwest Indians. 


JOHN €. CAL. 


HOVN, Vice- Pre 


sui^iil. Preat. 


notice that the 


"Orders in Coun- 




26. Treaty with 


29-54. Era of the W 


hie and Demo- 


ealed. 


17. Mississippi 


admitted into the U 


nion. the Creek 


cratic Pa 


rtics. 


it Fort Wayne. 


18. Illinois 


admitted into the U 


nion. Indians. 


30. Populatio 


n, 12,866,020. 


,7,239,881. 16. B 


ank of the United 


States rechartered. 


26. Thomas Je 


fferson, died July 4 


th, aged 82. 




War with Algi 


ers. 


26, John Adam 


s, died July 4th, a 


ged 90. 


ppecame. jg" ^ 


ndiana admitted 


into the Union. 


26. Great Mas 


onic excitement. 




e President and L 


iltleBelt. IS;^ 


Monroe le-elec 
ompkins re-el e 


ted. 28. A 
cted. 


gitation of the tari 
31. Monro 


ffquestion. 

e aied, aged 73. 


hn Henry conspir 


acy. 20. P 


opulation, 9,638,45 


3. 


32. T 


he great tariff ex- 


tion of the United 


States Bank chart 


er. 






citement. 


e Ninety-days' E 


mbargo. 19. A gre 


at financial crisis. 




32. T 


he doctrine of Nul- 


»aisiana admitt 


ed into the Union. 








lification declared 


fVar declared 


agrainst Oreat 


Britain. 






by South Carolina. 


nry Dearborn, co 


mmander-in-chlef. 






32. P 


roclamalion of the 


e surrender of M 


ackinaw. 








President. 

harles Carroll died, 


^_£| Brownstown. 


19. Alab 


ania admitted int 


the Union. 


32. C 


rrender of Detroi 


t. 19. Ark 


ansas Territory o 


rganized. 




aged 96. 


•3^^ The ConsHUiti 
^ The Wasp an 


on and Guerriere. 






32. T 


he Black 


d Frolic. 2(). 


Maine a'mitted i 


nto the Union. 




Hawk War. 


tJ^ The United St 
S^ ondMacedo 


ates 
nian. 


21. Rise of the Slav 


ery agitation. 


32. F 


irst National Con- 
vention. 


\Wl Qiieenslown. 
11. P^ Emuc. 


Jau, Horseshoe Ben 


21. Missouri adm 
^- 22. The Sout 


itted into the Unio 
h American States 


n. .32. J 
recognized 


acksoii, re- 
elected. 
Van Buren, V.- 






as sove 


reign powers. 




President. 


ladi.^oii re-elec 
"^llMidse «eir 

' !flS Frf-nchto 
'■ WM Sif-ijeo/F 

3. ^ Perru-s V 


ted. 

y, Vice-President. 

ion. 

ort Meigs. 


The Mo 

24. V 


nroe Doctrine. 

isit of La Fayette. 




3.3. Passage of Clay's 
Compromise t)ill. 

33. Removal of gov- 
ernment funds 


iciory. 


24. T 


he President elect 


ed by the House 


from the United 


'• Wm Fort Mim 


es. 




of Representatives. 




States Bank. 


s. TaJlashnchee, Tn 


lladega . 






33. John Randolph 


o ill Toronto, 
^- Rl and Oh 


Fori (ieorge, Burli 


ngton Bay, 






died, aged 60. 


rysler's Field. 








34 The Indi- 


X Vonngstown, L 


ewistown, Manche 


ster, Black Rock, a 


nd Buffalo burned. 




an Territory 


„ rV^ The Horn 
'• 1-1^4 The Ches 


et and Peacock. 








organized. 


apeake and Shanno 


n. 






3.5-39. Sem- 


„ ki^s The Argil 
'• 1^ TheCrins 


s and Pelican. 
fS of the Essex. 








inoleWar. 




etca. 

y's Lane and Blade 

hnrg. 

Mc Henry. 


nsburg. 






35. Chief- 
Justice M ar- 
flhalldied.a.SO. 
3.5. Great fire 


14. Washingto 


n City captured. 








in New York. 


14. Jackson in 
14. Hartford C 
14. Treatv of 

-ft 


vades Florida. 

onvention. 

Peace. 

New Orleans. 








The .Specie 

Circular. 

36. Ex- 
President Madi- 










son died. a. 85. 
36. Ar- 
kansas admitted 


Florida 

Spanish 


, a 
Prov- I'j . Flo 


rida ceded to the 






ince. 


. Clii 


ited States. 






into the Union. 




MEXICO, a 


21. Mexico beco 


mes an inde- 




36. .' TEX- 




Spanisli Vice- 


pendent Rep 


ublic. 




. AS. 




Royalty. 






Santa 










Presidert. 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 235 

the province had been purchased, in 1789, for thirty thousand 
dollars. The census of the United States, for 1790, showed a pop- 
ulation of three million nine hundred and twenty-nine thousand. 

7. After the defeat of Hai-niar, General St. Clair, with two 
thousand men, set out from Fort Washington to break the power 
of the ^liamis. On the 4th of November, he was attacked in 
the south-west angle of Mercer county, Ohio, by more than two 
thousand warriors, led by Little Turtle and several American ren- 
egades. After a terrible battle, St. Clair was completely defeated, 
with a loss of half his men. The fugitives retreated precipitately to 
Fort Washington. The news of the disaster spread sorrow through- 
out the land. St. Clair was superseded by General Wayne, whom 
the people had named Mad Anthony. 

8. The population of Kentucky had now reached seventy-three 
thousand. Seventeen years before, Daniel Boone, the hardy 
hunter of North Carolina, had settled at Boonesborough. Har- 
rodsburg and Lexington were founded about the same time. 
During the Revolution the pioneers were constantly beset by the 
savages. After the expedition of General Clarke, in 1779, thou- 
sands of immigrants came annually. Li the mean time, Virginia 
had relinquished her claim to the territory; and on the 1st of 
June, 1792, Kentucky was admitted into the Union. At the 
presidential election of 1792, Washington was again unanimously 
chosen ; as Vice-President, John Adams was reelected. 

9. Washington's second administration was greatly troubled in 
its relations with foreign governments. Citizen Genet, who was 
sent by the French republic as minister to the United States, ar- 
rived at Charleston, and was greeted with great enthusiasm. 
Taking advantage of his popularity, the ambassador fitted out 
privateers to prey on the commerce of Great Britain, and plan- 
ned an expedition against Louisiana. AVhen Washington refused 
to enter into an alliance with France, the minister threatened to 
appeal to the people. But Washington stood unmoved, and demanded 
the minister's recall. The authorities of France heeded the demand, 
and Genet was superseded by M. Fouchet. 

10. Li 1794 the country Avas disturbed by a difficulty in 
Western Pennsylvania, known as the A\^iiisky Insurrection. 



236 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. " 

Congress had, three years previously, imposed a tax on all ardent 
spirits distilled in the United States. Genet and his partisans 
had incited the people of the distilling regions to resist the tax- 
collectors. The disaffected rose in arms. Washington issued two 
proclamations, warning the insurgents to disperse; but instead of 
obeying, they fired upon the officers of the government. General 
Henry Lee, with a strong detachment of troops, then marched to 
tlie scene of the disturbance and dispersed the rioters. 

11. In the fall of 1793, General Wayne entered the Indian 
country with a force of three thousand men. Near the scene of 
St Clair's defeat, he built Fort Recovery, and then pressed on 
to the junction of the An Glaize and the Maumee. Here he 
built Fort Defiance. Descending the Maumee, he sent proposals 
of peace to the Indians, wlio were in council but a few miles 
distant. Little Turtle would have made a treaty; but the ma- 
jority were for battle. On the 20tli of August, Wayne overtook 
the savages at the town of Waynesfield, and routed them with 
terrible losses. The chieftains were obliged to purchase peace 
by ceding to the United States all the territory east of a line 
drawn from Fort Recovery to the mouth of the Kentucky River. 
This was the last service of General Wayne. In December of 
1796, he died and was buried at Presque Isle. 

12. In 1793 George III. issued instructions to British priva- 
teers to seize all neutral vessels found trading in the French West 
Indies. The United States had no notification of this measure; 
and American commerce to the value of many millions of dollars 
was swept from the sea. Chief-Justice Jay was sent as envoy to 
demand redress of the British government. Contrary to expecta- 
tion, his mission was successful; and in November of 1794, an 
honorable treaty was concluded. It was specified in the treaty 
that Great Britain should make reparation for the injuries done, 
and surrender to. the United States certain Western posts which 
until now had been held by England. 

13. In 1795 the boundary between the United States and 
Louisiana was settled. Spain granted to the Americans the free 
navigation of the Mississippi. About tliis time a difficulty arose 
with the dey of Algiers. For many years Algerine pirates had 



WASHING TONS ADMINISTRA TION. 237 

been preying upon the commerce of civilized nations. The dey 
had agreed with these nations that his pirate ships should not 
attack their vessels if they would pay him an annual tribute. 
The Algerine sea-robbers were now turned loose on American 
commerce, and the government of the United States was also 
obliged to purchase safety by paying tribute. 

14. In 1796 Tennessee, the third new State, was admitted into 
the Union. Six years previously, North Carolina had surrendered 
her claims to the territory. The population already numbered 
more than seventy thousand. The first inhabitants of Tennessee 
were as hardy a race of pioneers as ever braved the wilderness. 

15. Washington was solicited to become a candidate for a third 
election; but he would not. In September of 1796, he issued to 
the people of the United States his Farewell Address — a document 
full of wisdom and patriotism. The political parties at once put 
forward their candidates — John Adams as the choice of the Fed- 
eral, and Thomas Jefferson of the anti-Federal party. The chief 
question l)etween the parties was whether it was the true policy of 
the United States to enter into intimate relations with France. 
The anti-Federalists said, Yesl The Federalists said, iVo.^ On that 
issue Mr. Adams was elected, but Mr. Jefferson, having the next 
highest number of votes, became Vice-President; for according to 
the old provision of the Constitution, the person who stood second 
on the list became the second officer in the government. 



Washington is inangurnted.— And the new government organized.— Tli 
country is beset with difficulties.— A cabinet is formed.— Hamilton's financial 
measures.— The seat of government is fixed.— An Indian war breaks out.— Har- 
_iiar is defeated,— The Bank of the United States is established.— Vermont is 
admitted into the Union.— St. Clair is defeated by the Indians.— Is superseded 
by "Wayne.— Kentucky is admitted.— Washington reelected. -Tlio foreign rela- 
tions of the government are troubled.— Genet's conduct.— Fouchet supersedes 
him.— The VVhiskj^ Insurrection.— "Wayne defeats the Red men at "Waynes- 
field.— Compels a cession of territory.— Dies.— Great Britain orders the seizure 
of American vessels.— Jay procures a treaty.— Tlie compact with Spain.— Peace 
is purchased of Algiers.— Tennessee is admitted.— "Washington issues his Fare- 
well Address.— The candidates for the presidency.- Adams and Jefferson are 
elected. 



238 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 



CHAPTER XLV. 

ADAMS'S ADMINISTRATION, 1797-1801. 

ON the 4tb of Marcli, 1797, President Adams was inaugurated 
From the beginning, Ids administration was embarrassed b^' 
political opposition. Adet, the French minister, urged the gov- 
ernment to conclude a league with France against Great Britain. 
When the President and Congress refused, the French Directory 
began to demand an alliance. On the 10th of March, that body 
issued instructions to French men-of-war to assail the commerce 
of the United States. Mr. Pinckney, the American minister, was 
ordered to leave France. 

2. These proceedings were equivalent to a declaration of war. 
The President convened Congress in extraordinary session. El- 
bridge Gerry and John Marshall were directed to join Mr. Pinck- 
ney in a final effort for a peaceable adjustment of the difficulties. 
But the Directory refused to receive the ambassadors except upon 
condition that they would pay into the French treasury a quarter 
of a million of dollars. Pinckney answered that the United States 
had 7nillion^ for defence, but not a cent for tribute.. The envoys were 
then ordered to leave the country. 

;j. In 1798 an act was passed by Congress completing the or- 
ganization of the army. Washington was called from his retire- 
ment and appointed commander-in-chief. Hamilton was chosen 
first major-general. A navy of .<ix frigates had been provided for 
at the session of the previous year ; and a national loan had been 
authorized. The treaties with France were declared void, and 
vigorous preparations were made for war. The American frig- 
ates put to sea, and, in the fall of 1799, did good service for 
the country. Commodoi-e Truxtun, in the OmsteUation, won dis- 
tinguished honors. On the 9th of February, while cruising in the 



ADA MS\S A DMINISTRA TION. 



239 



West Indies, lie attacked the Insurgent, a French man-of-war, car- 
rying forty guns and more than four hundred seamen. A desper- 
ate engagement ensued ; and Truxtun gained a complete victory. 

4. Meanwhile, Napoleon Bonaparte had overthrown the Direc- 
tory of France and made himself first consul. He immediately 
sought peace 
with the United 
States. Three 
American am- 
bassadors—Mur- 
ray, Ellsworth, 
and D a v i e — 
were sent to 
Paris, in March 
of 1800. Nego- 
tiations were at 
once opened, 
and, in the fol- 
lowing Septem- 
ber, were termi- 
nated with a 
treaty of peace. 

5. Before the 
war-cloud was 
scattered, Amer- 
ica was called to 
mourn the loss JO"^ adams. 

of W<ashingtori. On the 14th of December, 1799, after an illness 
of only a day, the chieftain passed from among the living. All 
hearts were touched with sorrow. Congress went in funeral pro- 
cession to the German Lutheran church, where General Henry 
Lee delivered a touching and eloquent oration. Throughout the 
world the memory of the great dead was honored with appropriate 
ceremonies. To the legions of France, Napoleon announced the 
event in a beautiful tribute of praise. The voice of partisan malig- 
nity that had not hesitated to assail even the name of Washington, 
was hushed into silence ; and all mankind agreed with Lord Byron 




240 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

in declaring the illustrious dead to have been among warriors, 
statesmen and patriots 

" The first, the last, the best, 

The Cincinnatus of the West." 

6. The administration of Adams and the eighteenth century- 
drew to a close together. The new Kepublic Avas growing strong 
and influential. The census of 1800 showed that the population 
of the country had increased to over five millions. The seventy- 
five post-offices reported by the census of 1790 had been multiplied 
to nine hundred and three; the exports of the United States had 
grown from twenty millions to nearly seventy-one millions of dol- 
lars. In December of 1800, Congress assembled in Washington 
city. Virginia and Maryland had ceded to the United States the 
District of Columbia, a tract ten miles square lying on both sides 
of the Potomac. The city was laid out in 1792; and in 1800 the 
population numbered between eight and nine thousand. 

7. With prudent management the Federal party might have re- 
tained control of the government. But much of the legislation of 
Congress had been unwise and unpopular. The "Alien Law," by 
which the President was authorized to send foreigners out of the 
country, was specially odious. The *' Sedition Law," which pun- 
ished with fine and imprisonment the freedom of speech and of the 
press, was denounced as an act of tyranny. Partisan excitement 
ran high. Mr. Adams and Mr. Charles C. Pinckney were put 
forward as the candidates of the Federalists, and Thomas Jefferson 
and Aaron Burr of the Democrats. The election was thrown into 
the House of Representatives; and the choice fell on Jefferson and 
Burr. 



Opposition to the new administration.— France demands an aUiance.— Orders 
the destruction of American commerce.— Pinckney is dismissed.— The extra 
session of Congress.— Geriy, Marshall and Pinckney are sent to France. -The 
Directory want money.— Pinckney's answer.— An American army is organized. 
—Washington commander-in-chief.— The Avork of the navy.— Truxtun's vic- 
tory.— Napoleon seeks peace.— Death of Washington.— Close of the administra- 
tion.— Growth of the country.— The Alien and Sedition laws.— Overthrow of the 
Federal party.— Jefferson is elected president.— And Burr vice-president. 



JEFFERSOIf'S ADMINISTRATION. 



241 



CHAPTER XLVI. 



JEFFERSON S ADMINISTRATION, 1801-1809. 



AT the beginninix of liis administration, Mr. Jefferson transferred 
the chief offices of the government to members of the Demo- 
cratic party. Such action was justified by the atllierents of the 
President, on 
the ground that 
the affairs of a 
republic will be 
best adminis- 
tered when the 
officers hold 
the same politi- 
cal sentiments. 
One of the first 
acts of Congress 
was to abolish 
the system of 
internal reve- 
nues. The un- 
popular laws 
against for- 
eigners and the f 
freedom of the 
press were also 
repealed. 

2. In the 

year 1800, a line was drawn through the Korth-west Territory 
from the mouth of the Great Miami River through Fort Re- 
covery to Canada. Two years afterward tlie country east of 




THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



242 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

this line was erected into the State of Ohio and, in 1803, was ad- 
mitted into the Union. The portion west of the line was organized 
under the name of Indiana Territory. Vincennes was the capi- 
tal ; and General William Henry Harrison was appointed governor. 
About the same time, Mississippi Territory was organized. 

3. More important still was the purchase of Louisiana. In 
ISOO, Napoleon had compelled Spain to make a cession of this 
territory to France. He then prepared to send an army to New 
Orleans to establish his authority. But the United States remon- 
strated against such a proceeding; and Bonaparte authorized his 
minister to dispose of Louisiana by sale. The President appointed 
Mr. Livingston and Jnmes Monroe to negotiate the purchase. On 
the 30tli of April, 1803, terms were agreed on; and for the sum 
of eleven million two hundred and fifty thousand dollars Louisiana 
was ceded to the United States. It was also agreed that the 
United States should pay certain debts due from France to Ameri- 
can citizens — the sum not to exceed three million seven hundred 
and fifty thousand dollars. Thus did the vast domain west <jf the 
IVIississippi pass under the dominion of the United States.* 

4. Out of the southern portion of tlie great province tlie Ter- 
ritory^ OF Orleans was organized, with the same limits as the 
present State of Louisiana; the rest continued to be called the 
Territory of Louisiana. Very justly did Mr. Livingston say 
to the French minister as they arose from signing the treaty: "This 
is the noblest work of our lives." 

5. In 1801 John Marshall became chief-justice of the United 
States. In the colonial times, the English constitution and com- 
mon law. had prevailed in America. When the new Republic was 
organized, it became necessary to modify the principles of law and 
to adapt them to the altered form of government. This great 
work was accomplished by Chief-Justice Marshall. 

0. The Mediterranean pirates still annoyed American merchant- 
men. The emperors of Morocco, Algiers and Tripoli became 
especially troublesome. In 1803 Commodore Preble was sent to 
the Mediterranean to protect American commerce and punish the 
pirates. The frigate Pli'dadelpliia, under Captain Bainbridge, sailed 

*See Map V. 



JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 



243 



directly to Tripoli. When nearing his destination, Bainbridge gave 
chase to a pirate which fled for safety to the harbor. The Philadel- 
phia, iu close pursuit, ran upon a reef of rocks near the shore, and 
was captured by the Tripolitans. The officers were treated with 
some respect, but the crew were enslaved. 

7. In the fol- 
lowing Febru- 
ary, Captain 
Decatur sailed 
to Tripoli in a 
Moorish ship, 
called the In- 
trepid. At night- 
fall, Decatur 
steered into the 
harbor, slipped 
alongside of the 
Philadelp} 
sprang on d( 1 
with his darujg ^\\^^ 
band, and killed 
or drove over- 
board every 
Moor on the 
vessel. In a 
ni o m e n t the 

frigate was chief-justice Marshall. 

fired; Decatur and his crew escaped to the Intrejnd without tlu 
loss of a man. 

8. In July of 1804, Commodore Preble arrived at Tripoli and 
began a siege. The town was bombarded, and several Moorish 
vessels were destroyed. In the mean time, William Eaton, the 
American consul at Tunis, had organized a force, and was marching 
overland to Tripoli. Hamet, who was the rightful sovereign of 
Tripoli, was cooperating with Eaton in an effort to recover his 
kingdom. Yusef, the Tripolitan emperor, alarmed at the dangers 
around him, made overtures for peace. His offers were accepted 
16 




244 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

by Mr. Lear, the American consul for the Barbary States ; and a 
treaty was concluded on the 4th of June, 1805. 

9. In 1804 the country was shocked by the intelligence that 
Vice-President Burr had killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. 
As his term of office drew to a close, Burr foresaw that he would 
not be renominated. In 1803 he became a candidate for governor 
of New York ; but Hamilton's influence in that State prevented 
his election. Burr thereupon sought a quarrel with Hamilton ; 
ehalleno^ed him ; met him at Weehawken, on the mornino^ of the 
11th of July, and deliberately murdered him. Thus the brightest 
intellect in America was put out in darkness. 

10. In the autumn of 1804, Jefferson was reelected. For Vice- 
President George Clinton of New York was chosen in place of 
Burr. In the next year, a part of the North-western Territory 
was organized under the name of Michigan. In the same spring, 
Captains .Lewis and Clarke set out from the falls of the Missouri 
River, with thirty-five soldiers and hunters, to explore Oregon. 
For two years, through forests of gigantic pines, and along the banks 
of unknown rivers did they continue their explorations. After 
wandering among unheard-of tribes of savages, and traversing a 
route of six thousand miles, the adventurers, with the loss of but 
one man, returned to civilization. 

11. After the death of Hamilton, Burr fled to the South. At 
the opening of the next session of Congress he returned to pre- 
side over the Senate. Then he took up his residence with an Irish 
exile named Blannerhassett, who had built a mansion on an island 
in the Ohio, near the mouth of the Muskingum. Here Burr made 
a treasonable scheme to raise a military force, invade Mexico, detacl. 
the South-western States from the Union, and overthrow the gov- 
ernment of the United States. But his purposes were suspected. 
The military preparations at Blannerhassett's Island were broken 
up. Burr was arrested in Alabama and taken to Richmond to 
be tried for treason. Chief-Justice Marshall presided at the trial, 
and Burr conducted his own defence. The verdict was, "Not 
gwWiy— for ivant of suffident 'proof.'' Burr afterward practiced law 
in New York, lived to old age, and died in poverty. 

12. During Jefferson's second term, the country was much 



JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 245 

agitated by the aggressions of the British navy. England and 
France were engaged in war. The British authorities struck blow 
after blow against the trade between France and foreign nations; 
and Napoleon retaliated. The plan adopted by the two powers 
was to blockade each other's ports with men-of-war. By such 
means the commerce of the United States was greatly injured. 

13. In May of 1806, England blockaded the whole coast of 
France. American vessels, approaching the French ports, were 
seized as prizes. In the following November, Bonaparte issued a 
decree blockading the British isles. Again American merchant- 
men were subjected to seizure. In January of the next year, Great 
Britain retaliated by prohibiting the French coasting-trade. These 
measures were all in violation of the laws of nations. 

14. Great Britain next set up her peculiar claim of citizenship, 
that whoever is born in England remains through life a subject of 
England. English cruisers were authorized to search American 
vessels for persons suspected of being British subjects. Those who 
were taken were impressed as seamen in the English navy. 

15. On the 22d of June, 1807, the frigate Chesapeake was hailed 
near Fortress Monroe, by a British man-of-war, called the Leojmrd. 
British officers came on board and demanded to search the vessel for 
deseiiers. The demand was refused and the ship cleared for action. 
But before the guns could be charged, the Leopard poured in a 
destructive fire, and compelled a surrender. Four men were taken 
from the captuj-ed ship, three of whom proved to be American citi- 
zens. Great Britain disavowed this outrage, and promised repara- 
tion ; but the promise was never fulfilled. 

16. The President issued a proclamation forbidding British ships 
of war to enter American harbors. On the 21st of December, 
Congress passed the Embargo Act, by which all American vessels 
were detained in the ports of the United States. The object was 
to cut off commercial intercourse with France and Great Britain. 
But the measure was of little avail ; and after fourteen months the 
embargo act Avas repealed. Mean while, in November of 1808, the 
British government published an ''order in council," prohibiting 
all trade with France and her allies. Thereupon Napoleon issued 
the "Milan decree," forbidding all trade with England and her 



246 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



colonies. By these outrages the commerce of the United States 
was welbiigh destroyed. 

17. While the country was thus distracted, Robert Fulton was 
building THE FIRST STEAMBOAT. This cvcnt exercised a vast in- 
tiuence on the future development of the nation. It was of great 

importance to 
the people of 
the inland 
States that 
their rivers 
should be en- 
livened with 
rapid naviga- 
tion. This, 
without the ap- 
plication of 
steam, was im- 
possible. Ful- 
ton was an 
Irishman by de- 
scent and a 
Pennsylvanian 
by birth. His 
education in 
boyhood was 
imperfect, but 

was afterward improved by study at London and Paris. Return- 
ing to New York, he began the construction of a steamboat. When 
the ungainly craft was completed, Fulton invited his friends to go 
on board and enjoy a trip to Albany. On the 2d of September, 
1807, the crowds gathered on the shore. The word was given, and 
the boat did not move. Fulton went below. Again the word was 
given, and the boat moved. On the next day the company reached 
Albany. For many years this first rude steamer, called the Cler- 
mont, plied the Hudson. 

18. Jefferson's administration drew to a close. The territorial 
area of the United States had been vastly extended. Burr's wicked 




ROBERT FTTLTON. 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION AND WAR OF 1812. 247 

conspiracy had come to naught. Pioneers were pouring into the 
valley of the Mississippi. The woods by the river-shores resounded 
with the cry of steam. But the foreign relations of the United 
States were troubled. The President declined a third election, 
and was succeeded by James Madison of Virginia. For Vice- 
President George Clinton was reelected. 



Jefferson puts Democrats in office.- Ohio is admitted.— Indiana and Missis- 
sippi organized.— Louisiana is purcliased.— Tlie Territory of Orleans set off.— 
John Marshall chief-justice.— The Mediterranean pirates.— Preble is sent against 
them.— The Philadelphia is captured.— Retaken and burned.— The siege of Tri- 
poli.— Yusef signs a treaty.-Burr kills Hamilton.— Jefferson is reelected.— 
Michigan is organized.— Lewis and Clarke explore Oregon.— Burr's conspiracy.— 
He is tried for treason.— British aggressions on American commerce.— England 
blockades the French coast,— Napoleon retaliates.— Great Britain forbids the 
coasting-trade.— The English theory of citizenship.— The Leopard attacks the 
Chesapeake.— Fasaage of the Embargo Act.— The Orders in Council and Milan 
Decree.— Fulton and his steamboat.— Summary. 



CHAPTER XLVII. 
MADISON S ADMINISTRATION AND WAR OF 1812. 

THE new President had been a member of the Continental Con- 
gress, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and 
secretary of state under Jefferson. He owed his election to the 
Democratic party, whose sympathy with France and hostility to 
Great Britain were well known. On the 1st of March, the em- 
bargo act was repealed by Congress, and another measure adopted 
by which American ships were allowed to go abroad, but were forbid- 
den to trade with Great Britain. Mr. Erskine, the British minister, 
now gave notice that by the 10th of June the "orders in council," 
so far as they affected the United States, should be repealed. 

2, In the following spring Bonaparte issued a decree for the 
seizure of all American vessels that might approach the ports of 
France. But in November, the decree was reversed, and all 



248 HISTORY OF THE VETTED STATES. 

restrictions on the commerce of the United States were ren\oved. 
But the government of Great Britain adhered to its former meas- 
ures, and sent ships of war to enforce the " orders in coun- 
cil" 

3. The affiiirs of the two nations were fast approaching a crisis. 
Tlie government of the United States had fallen completely under 
control of the party which sympathized with France. The Amer- 

'3an people, smarting under the insults of Great Britain, had 
i lopted the motto of Free Trade and Sailors' Rights, and 
h 1 made up then' minds to fight. The elections, held between 
1808 and 1811, showed the drift of public opinion; the sentiment 
of the country was that war was j^referable to national disgrace. 

4. In the spring of 1810 the third census of the United States 
was completed. The population had increased to seven million 
two hundred and forty thousand souls. The States now numbered 
seventeen ; and several new Territories were preparing for admission 
into the Union. The rapid march of civilization westward had 
aroused the jealousy of the Red men, and Indiana Territory was 
afflicted with an Indian war. 

5. Tecumtha, chief of the Shawnees— a brave and sagacious 
warrior — and his brother,- called the Prophet, were the leaders of 
the revolt. Their plan was to unite all the nations of the North- 
west Territory in a final effort to beat back the whites. When, 
in September of 1809, Governor Harrison met the chiefs of several 
tribes at Fort Wayne, and purchased three million acres of land, 
Tecumtha refused to sign the treaty, and threatened death to those 
who did. In 1810 he visited the nations of Tennessee and exhorted 
them to join his confederacy. 

6. Governor Harrison stood firm, sent f()r soldiers, and mustere<\ 
the militia of the Territory. Tlie Indians began to prowl through 
the Wal)ash Valley, murdering and stealing. The governor then 
advanced to Terre Haute, built Fort Harrison, and hastened toward 
the town of the Prophet, at the mouth of the Tippecanoe. When 
within a few miles of this place, Harrison was met by Indian ambas- 
sadors, who asked for a conference on the following day. Their 
request was granted; and the American army encamped for the 
night. The place selected was a piece of high ground covered with 



MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION AND WAR OF 1812. 249 

oaks. Before daybreak on the morning of the 7th of November, 
1811, the savages, seven hundred strong, crept through the marshes, 
surrounded Harrison's position, and burst upon the camp. But 
the American militia fought in the darkness, held the Indians in 
check until daylight, and then routed them in several vigorous 
charges. On the next day, the Americans burned the Prophet's 
town and soon afterward returned to Vincennes. 

7. Meanwhile, Great Britain and the United States had come 
into conflict on the ocean. On the 16th of May, Commodore 
Kodgers, commanding the frigate President, hailed a vessel off the 
coast of Virginia. Instead of a polite answer, he received a cannon- 
ball in the mainmast. Rodgers responded with a broadside, silenc- 
ing the enemy's guns. In the morning — for it was already dark — 
the hostile ship was found to be the British sloop-of-war Little Belt. 
This event produced great excitement throughout the country. 

8. On the 4th of November, 1811, the twelfth Congress of the 
United States assembled. Many of the members still hoped for 
i)eace; and the winter passed without decisive measures. On the 
4th of April, 1812, an act was passed laying an embargo for ninety 
days on all British vessels within the harbors of the United States. 
But Great Britain would not recede from her hostile attitude. Be- 
fore the actual outbreak of hostilities, Louisiana, the eighteenth 
State, was, on the 8th of April, admitted into the Union. Her 
population had already reached seventy-seven thousand. 

9. On the 19th of June, a declaration of war was made against 
Great Britain. Vigorous preparations for the conflict were made 
by Congress. It was ordered to raise twenty-five thousand regular 
troops and fifty thousand volunteers. The several States were re 
quested to call out a hundred thousand militia. A national loan 
of eleven million dollars was authorized. Henry Dearborn, of 
Massachusetts, was chosen commander-in-chief of the army. 

10. The war was begun by General William Hull, governor of 
Michigan Territory. On the 1st of June, he marched from Day- 
ton with fifteen hundi'ed men. For a full month, the army toiled 
through the forests to the western extremity of Lake Erie. Kv- 
riving at the Maumee, Hull sent his baggage to Detroit. But the 
British at Maiden were on the alert, and captured Hull's boat with 



250 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




SCENE or hull's CAMI'AIGN, 1812. 



every thing on board. Nevertheless, the Americans pressed on to 
Detroit, and on the 12th of July, crossed the river to Sandwich. 

11, Hull, hearing that Mackinaw had been taken by the British, 
soon returned to Detroit. From this place he sent Major Van 
Home to meet Major Brush, who had reached the river Raisin 
with reinforcements. But Tecumtha laid 
an ambush for Van Home's forces and de- 
feated them near Brownstown. Colonel 
Miller with another detachment attacked 
and routed the savages with great loss, 
and then returned to Detroit. 

12. General Brock, governor of Can- 
ada, now took command of the British at 
Maiden. On the 16th of August, he ad- 
vanced to the siege of Detroit. The 
Americans in their trenches were eager 
for battle. AVhen the British were within 
five hundred yards, Hull hoisted a white 
flag (Tver the f mi. Then followed a surrender, the most shameful in 
the history of the United States. All the forces under Hull's com- 
mand became prisoners of war. The whole of Michigan Territory 
was surrendered to the British. Hull was afterward court-martialed 
and sentenced to be shot; but the President pardoned him. 

13. About the time of the fall of Detroit, Fort Dearborn, on the 
present site of Chicago, was surrendered to an army of Indians. 
The garrison capitulated on condition of retiring without molesta- 
tion. But the savages, finding that the whisky in the fort had 
been destroyed, fell upon the retreating soldiers, killed some, and 
distributed the rest as captives. 

.14. On the 19th of August, the frigate Constitutiori, commanded 
by Captain Isaac Hull, overtook the British Guerriere off the 
coast of Massachusetts. The vessels manoeuvred for awhile, the 
Constitution closing with her antagonist, until at half-pistol shot she 
poured in a broadside, sweeping the decks of the Guerriere and 
deciding the contest. On the following morning, the Guerriere, 
being unmanageable, was blown up; and Hull returned to port 
with his prisoners and spoils. 



3IADIS0N'S ADMINISTRATION AND WAR OF 1812. 251 

15. On the 18tli of October, the American TFasj^, under Captain 
Jones, fell in with a fleet of British merchantmen off the coast of 
Virginia. The squadron was under protection of the Frolic, com- 
manded by Captain Whinyates. A terrible engagement ensued, 
lasting for three-quarters of an hour. Finally the American crew 
boarded the Frolic and struck the British flag. Soon afterward the 
Poidlers, a British seventy-four gun ship, bore down upon the 
scene, captured the Waq), and retook the wreck of the Frolic. 

16. On the 25th of the month. Commodore Decatur, command- 
ing the frigate United States, captured the British Macedonian, a 
short distance west of the Canary Islands. The loss of the enemy 
in killed and wounded amounted to more than a hundred men. 
On the 12th of December, the Essex, commanded by Captain 
Porter, captured the Nocton, a British packet, having on board 
fifty-five thousand dollars in specie. On the 29th of December, 
the Constitution, under command of Commodore Bainbridge, met 

the Java, on the coast of Brazil. A 
furious battle ensued, continuing for 
two hours. The Java was reduced to 
a wreck before the flag was struck. 
The crew and passengers, numbering 
upward of four hundred, were trans- 
ferred to the Constitution, and the hull 
was burned at sea. The news of these 
victories roused the enthusiasm of the 
people. 

17. On the 13th of October, a 
thousand men, commanded by General 
Stephen Van Rensselaer, crossed the 
Niagara River to capture Queenstown. 
They were resisted at the water's 
...^^^_^^^^___ edge; but the British batteries on the 
THE MAGAKA FKONTiEK, 1812. hci^ghts wcrc fiually carricd. The 
enemy's forces, returning to the charge, were a second time re- 
pulsed. General Brock fell mortally wounded. The Americans 
entrenche<l themselves, and waited for reinforcements. None 
came; and after losing a hundred and sixty men, they were then 




252 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

obliged to surrender. General Van Rensselaer resigned his com- 
mand, and was succeeded by General Alexander Smyth. 

18. The Americans now rallied at Black Rock, a few miles 
north of Buffalo. From this point, on the 28th of November, a 
company was sent across to the Canada shore ; but General Smyth 
ordered the advance party to return. A few days afterward, 
another crossing was jjlanned ; but the Americans were again com- 
manded to return to winter quarters. The militia became muti- 
nous. Smyth was charged with cowardice and deposed from his 
command. In the autumn of 1812, Madison was reelected Preid- 
dent; the choice for Vice-President fell on Elbridge Gerry, of 
IMassachusetts. 



Previous services of Madison. -The Non-intercourse Act takes the place of the 
embargo.— Promised repeal of the Orders in Council. -Bonaparte makes a de- 
cree.— And then revokes it.— Obstinacy of Great Britain.— Third census.— Tecum- 
tlia and tlie Prophet.— Harrison purchases lands.— Tecumtlia refuses to ratify.— 
Harrison marches up the Wabash.— Is attacked by night.— And routs the sava- 
ges.— Fight of the President and the Lillle Belt.— The twelfth Congress.-Brilish 
vessels are embargoed.— Louisiana is admitted. - War declared against Eng- 
land.— Hull marches to Lake Erie.— Invades Canada.— Van Home's defeat. - 
Miller's victory.— Hull's surrender.— He is convicted of cowardice.— Capture of 
Fort Dearborn.— The ConstitiUion captures the Guerne7-e.— The Wasp, the Frolic— 
The Poictiers, the Wmp.—The United States, the 3Iacedoma7i.—The Essex, the 
iVoc^on.— And the Constitution, the Java.— Yan Rensselaer moves against Queens- 
town.— Carries the batteries.— Death of Brock.— The Americans surrender.— 
Smyth succeeds Vau Rensselaer.— The Americans at Black Rock.— Madison 
reelected. 



CHAPTER XLVIII. 

WAR OF 1812.— CONTINUED. 

TN the beginning of 1818, the American army was organized in 
J- tliree divisions: the Army of the North, under General 
AVade Hampton; the Army of the Centre, under the com- 
mander-in-chief; THE Army of the West, under General Win- 
chester, who was soon superseded by General Harrison. Early in 



WAR OF 1S12.— CONTINUED. 253 

January, the latter division moved toward Lake Erie to regain the 
ground lost by Hull. On the 10th of the month, the American 
advance reached the rapids of the Maumee, thirty miles from AVin- 
chester's camp. A detachment then pressed forward to French- 
town, on the river Raisin, captured the town, and on the 20th of 
the month, were joined by Winchester with the main division. 

2. Two days afterward the Americans were assaulted by a 
thousand five hundred British and Indians under General Proctor. 
A severe battle was fought. General Winchester, having been 
taken by the enemy, advised his forces to capitulate. The Amer- 
ican wounded ivere left to the mercy of the savages, who at once began 
and completed their work of butchery. The rest of the prisoners 
were dragged away through untold sufferings to Detroit, where 
they were afterward ransomed. 

3. General Harrison now built Fort Meigs, on the Maumee. 
Here he was besieged liy tw^o thousand British and savages, led by 
Proctor and Tecumtha. Meanwhile, General Clay, with twelve 
hundred Kentuckians, advanced to the relief of the fort. In a few 
days the Indians deserted in large numbers, and Proctor, becoming 
alarmed, abandoned the siege, and retreated to Maiden, 

4. Late in July, Proctor and Tecumtha with nearly four thousand 
men again besieged Fort Meigs. Failing to draw out the garrison, 
the British general filed oft' with half his forces and attacked Fort 
Stephenson, at Lower Sandusky. This place was defended by a 
hundred and sixty men under Colonel Croghan, a strij^ling but 
twenty-one years of age. On the 2d of August, the British ad- 
vanced to storm the fort. Having crowded into the trench, they 
were swept away almost to a man. The repulse was complete. 
Proctor now raised the siege at Fort Meigs and returned to Maiden. 

5. At this time, Lake Erie was commanded by a British squad- 
ron of six vessels. The work of recovering these waters was en- 
trusted to Commodore Oliver H. Perry. His antagonist, Commo- 
dore Barclay, was a veteran from Europe. With great energy 
Perry directed the construction of nine ships, and was soon afloat. 
On the 10th of September, the two fleets met near Put-in Bay. 
The battle was begun by the American squadron. Perry's flag-ship, 
the Lawrence, leading the attack. His principal antagonist was the 



254 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Detroit, under commimd of Barclay. The British guns had the 
wider range, and were better served. In a short time, the Law- 
rence was ruined ; and Barclay's flag-ship was almost a wreck. 

6. Perceiving how the l^attle stood, Perry seized liis banner, got 
overboard into an open boat, and transferred his flag to the Niagara. 
With this powerful vessel he bore down upon the enemy's line, 
drove right through the midst, discharging terrible broadsides right 
and left. In fifteen minutes the British fleet was helpless. Perry 
returned to the hull of the Laurence, and there received the sur- 
render. And then he sent to General Harrison this despatch: 
"We have met the enemy, and they are ours." 

7. For the Americans the way was now opened to Canada. On 
the 27th of September, Harrison's army was landed near Maiden. 
The British retreated to the river Thames, and there faced about 
to fight. The battle-field extended from the river to a swamp. 
Here, on the 5th of October, the British were attacked by Generals 
Harrison and Shelby. In the begiiniing of the battle, Proctor 
fled. The British regulars were broken l)y the Kentuckians under 
Colonel Richard M. Johnson. The Americans wheeled against the 
fifteen hundred Indians, who lay hidden in the swamp. Tecumtha 
had staked all on the issue. For awhile his war-whoop sounded 
alwve the din of the conflict. Presently his voice was heard no 
longer; for the great chieftain liad fallen. The savages, appalled 
by the death of their leader, fled in despair. So ended the cam- 
l^aign in the West. All that Hull had lost was regained. 

8. Meanwhile, the Creeks of Alabama had taken up arms. In 
the latter part of August, Fort Mims, forty miles north of Mobile, 
was surprised by the savages, who murdered nearly four hundred 
people. The governors of Tennessee, Georgia, and Mississippi made 
immediate preparation for invading the country of the Creeks. 
The Tennesseeans, under General Jackson, were first to the rescue. 
Nine hundred men, led by General Coflfee, reached the Indian town 
of Tallushatchee, burned it, and left not an Indian alive. On the 
8th of November, a battle was fought at Talladega, and the savages 
were defeated with severe losses. Another fight occurred at Autosse, 
on the Tallapoosa, and again the Indians were routed. 

9. During the Avinter, Jackson's troops became mutinous and 



WAR OF 1812.~CONTINUED. 



255 




were going home. But the general set them the example of livmg 
on acorns, and threatened with death the first man who stirred 
from the ranks. And no man stirred. On the 22d of January, 
1814, the battle of Emucfau was fought. The Tennesseeans again 
gained the victory. At Horseshoe Bend the Creeks made their 
final stand. On the 27th of March, the whites under General 
Jackson stormed the breastworks and 
drove the Indians into the bend of 
the river. There, huddled together, 
a thousand Creek warrioi-s, with the 
women and children of the tribe, met 
their doom. The nation was com- 
pletely conquered. 

10. On the 25th of April, 1813, 
General Dearborn, commanding the 
Army of the Centre, embarked his 
forces at Sackett's Harljor, and pro- 
ceeded against Toronto. Here was the 
most important depot of supplies in 
British America. The American fleet under Commodore Chaun- 
cey had already obtained the mastery of Lake Ontario. On the 
27th of the month, seventeen hundred men, under General Pike, 
were landed near Toronto. The Americans drove the enemy from 
the water's edge, stormed a battery, and rushed forward to carry 
the main defences. At that moment the British magazine ])lew up 
with terrific violence. Two hundred men were killed or wounded. 
General Pike was fiitally injured; but the Americans continued 
the charge and drove the British out of the town. Property to 
the value of a half million dollars was secured to tlie victors. 

11. While this movement was taking place, the enemy made a 
descent on Sackett's Harbor. But General Brown rallied the 
militia and drove back the assailants. The victorious troops at 
Toronto reembarked and crossed the lake to the mouth of the 
Niagara. On the 27th of May, the Americans, led by Generals 
Chandler and Winder, stormed Fort George. The British retreated 
to Burlington Bay, at the western extremity of the lake. 

12. After the battle of the Thames, General Harrison had traus- 



IK (TiEEK WAR, 181.1—1 I, 



256 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ferrecl liis forces to Buffalo, and then resigned his commission. 
General Dearborn also withdrew from the service, and was suc- 
ceeded by General Wilkinson. The next campaign, planned by 
General Armstrong, embraced the conquest of Montreal. The 
Army of the Centre was ordered to join the Army of the North 
on the St. Lawrence. On the 5th of November, seven thousand 
men, embarking twenty miles north of Sackett's Harbor, sailed 
against M(mtreal. Parties of British, Canadians, and Indians, 
gathering on the bank of the river, impeded the expedition. Gen- 
eral Brown was landed with a considerable force to drive the enemy 
into the interior. On the 11th of the month, a severe but inde- 
cisive battle was fought at a place called Clirysler's Field. The 
Americans passed down the river to St. Regis, where the forces of 
General Hampton w^ere expected to form a junction with Wilkin- 
son's command. But Hampton did not arrive ; and th-e Americans 
went into winter quarters at Fort Covington. 

13. In the mean time, the British on the Niagara rallied and 
recaptured Fort George. Before retreating. General McClure, 
the commandant, burned the town of Newark. The British and 
Indians crossed the river, took Fort Niagara, and fired the villages 
of Youngstown, Lewiston, and Manchester. On the 30th of De- 
cember, Black Rock and Buffalo were biu-ned. 

14. Off the coast of Demarara, on the 24th of February, 1813, 
the sloop-of-war Hornet, commanded by Caj)tain James Lawrence, 
fell in with the British brig Peacock. A terrible battle of fifteen 
mirmtes ensued, and the Peacock struck her colors. While the 
Americans were transferring the conquered crew, the ocean yawned 
and the brig sank. Nine British sailors and three of Lawrence's 
men were sucked down in the whirlpool. 

15. On returning to Boston the command of the Oiesapedke was 
given to Lawrence, and again he put to sea. He was soon chal- 
lenged by Captain Broke, of the British Shannon, to fight him. 
Eastward from Cape Ann the two vessels met on the 1st day of 
June. The battle was obstinate, brief, dreadful. In a short time, 
every officer of the Chem^pealce was either killed or wounded. Law- 
rence was struck with a musket-ball, and fell dying on the deck. 
As they bore him down the hatchway, he gave his last order — ever 



WAR OF 1S12.—C0NTTNUED: 257 

afterward the motto of the American sailor — " Don't give up. thf 
ship!" The Shannon towed her prize into the harbor of Halifax. 
There the bodies of Lawrence and Ludlow, second in command, 
were buried by the British. 

16. On the 14th of August, the American brig Argus was over- 
taken by the Pelican and obliged to surrender. (3u the 5th of 
September, the British brig Boxer was captured by the American 
Enterprise off the coast of Maine. Captain Blyth, the British com- 
mander, and Burrows, the American captain, both of whom were 
killed in the battle, were buried side by side at Portland. On the 
28th of the following March, while the Essex, commanded by 
Captain Porter, was lying in the harbor of Valparaiso, she was 
attacked by two British vessels, the Phoebe and the Cherub. Cap- 
tain Porter fought his antagonists until nearly all of his men were 
killed or womided; then struck his colors and surrendered. 

17. From honorable warfare the naval officers of England stooped 
to marauding. Early in the year, Lewistown was bombarded by 
a British squadron. Other British men-of-war entered the Chesa- 
peake and burned several villages on the shores of the bay. At 
the town of Hampton, the soldiers and marines perpetrated great 
outrages. Commodore Hardy, to whom the blockade of New Eng- 
land had been assigned, behaved with more humanity. Even the 
Americans praised him for his honorable conduct. So the year 
1813 closed without decisive results. 



ie,EC^FITTJL-A.TI03Sr. 

Arrangement of the array.— The Americans capture Frenchtown.— Surrender 
to Pi'octor.— And are butchered.— Harrison at Fort Meigs.— Chiy raisevS the sie.u^ 
-Proctor and Tecumtlia return. - Attaclc Fort Stephenson.— And are defeatK' 
by C'rogli an .—Perry gains a signal victory on Lake Erie.— Harrison embarlis liis 
forces to Maiden.— Follows tlie British and Indians to the Thames.— And routs 
them in battle. -The Creek massacre at Fort Minis.— Jackson and Coffee burn 
Tall ushatchee.- Battles of Talladega and Autosse.— Winter and starvation.— 
Battle of Emucfau.— And Horseshoe Bend.— Dearborn captures Toronto.— The 
British attack Sackett's Harbor.— The Americans take Fort George.- Wilkinson 
commander-in-chief.— Expedition against Montreal.— The battle of Chrysler's 
Field.— Winter quarters at Fort Covington.— McClure evacuates Fort George.— 
Burns Newark.— The British retaliate.— The Hornet captures the Peacock.— The 
Chescqwake is taken by the SJicnDion.- Ttenih of Lawrence.- Capture of the 
Argus.— The Enterprise takes the Boxer.— The Essex is captured by the Phcebe 
and Cherub.— ThG British bombard Lewistown.— Marauding in the Chesapeake. 



258 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XLIX. 

THE CAMPAIGNS OF '14. 

IN the spring of 1814, another invasion of Canada was planned; 
but there was much delay. Not until the 3d of July did Gen- 
erals Scott and Kipley, with three thousand men, cross the Niagara 
and capture Fort Erie. On the following day, the Americans ad- 
vanced in the direction of Chippewa village. Before reaching that 
place, however, they were met by the British, led by General Riall. 
On the evening of the 5th, a severe battle was fought on the plain 
south of Chippewa River. The Americans, led on by Generals 
Scott and Ripley, won the day. 

2. General Riall retreated to Burlington Heights. On the even- 
ing of the 25th of Jidy, General Scott, commanding the American 
right, found himself confronted by Riall's army, on the high 
grounds in sight of Niagara Falls. Here was fought the hardest 
battle of the war. Scott held his own until reinforced by other 
divisions of the army. The British reserves were brought into 
action. Twilight faded into darkness. A detachment of Amer- 
icans, getting upon the British rear, caj^tured General Riall and 
his staff. The key to the enemy's position was a high ground 
crowned with a ])attery. Calling Colonel James Miller to his side, 
General Brown said, " Colonel, take your regiment and storm that 
battery." *'Fll try, sir," was Miller's answer; and he did take 
it, and held it against three assaults of the British. General Drum- 
mond was wounded, and the royal army, numbering five thousand, 
was driven from the field with a loss of more than eight hundred. 
The Americans lost an equal number. 

3. After this battle of Niagara, or Lundy's Lane, the American 
forces fell back to Fort Erie. General Gaines crossed over from 
Buffalo, and assumed command of the army. General Drummond 



THE CAMPAIGNS OF '14. 259 

received reinforcements, and on the 4th of August invested Fort 
Erie. The siege ccnitinued until the 17th of Septeml^er, when a 
sortie was made and the works of the British were carried. Gen- 
eral Drummond then raised the siege and retreated to Fort George. 
On the 5th of November, Fort Erie was destroyed by the Ameri- 
cans, who recrossed the Niagara and went into winter quarters at 
Black Rock and Buffalo. 

4. The winter of 1813-14 was passed by the army of the North 
at Fort Covington. In the latter part of February, Genei-al 
Wilkinson began an invasion of Canada. At La Colle, on the 
Sorel, he attacked the enemy, and was defeated. Falling back to 
Plattsburg, he was superseded by General Izard. At this time, 
the American fleet on Lake Champlain w^as commanded by Com- 
modore MacDonough. The British general Prevost now advanced 
into New York at the head of fourteen thousand men, and ordered 
Commodore Downie to ascend the Sorel with his fleet 

5. The invading army reached Plattsburg. Commodore Mac- 
Donough's squadron lay in the bay. On the 6th of September, 
Macomb retired with his forces to the south bank of the Saranac. 
For four days the British renewed their efforts to cross the river. 
Downie's fleet was now ready for action, and a general battle was 
planned for the 11th. Prevost's army was to carry Macomb's po- 
sition, while the British flotilla was to bear down on MacDonough. 
The naval battle began first, and was obstinately fought for two 
hours and a half. Downie and many of his oflicers were killed ; 
the heavier British vessels were disabled and obliged to strike 
their colors. The smaller ships escaped. After a severe action, 
the British army on the shore was also defeated. Prevost retired 
precipitately to Canada ; and the English ministry began to devise 
measures of peace. 

6. Late in the summer, Admiral Cochrane arrived off* the coast 
of Virginia with an armament of twenty-one vessels. General 
Ross, with an army of four thousand veterans, came with the fleet. 
The American squadron, commanded by Commodore Barney, was 
unable to oppose so powerful a force. The enemy entered the 
Chesapeake with the purpose of attacking Washington and Balti- 
more, The larger division sailed into the Patuxent, and on the 

17 



260 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

19th of August, the forces of General Ross were landed at Bene- 
dict. Commodore Barney was obliged to blow up his vessels and 
take to the shore. From Benedict the British advanced against 
Washington. At Bladensburg, six miles from the capital, they 
were met, on the 24th of the month, by the forces of Barney. 
Here a battle was fought. The militia behaved badly; Barney 
was defeated and taken prisoner. The President, the cabinet, and 
the people betook themselves to flight; and Ross marched uiiop= 
posed into Washington. All the public buildings except the 
Patent Ofiice were burned. The unfinished Capitol and the Presi- 
dent's house were left a mass of ruins. 

7. Five days afterward, a portion of the British fleet reached 
Alexandria. The inhabitants purchased the forbearance of the 
enemy by the surrender of twenty-one ships, sixteen thousand 
barrels of flour, and a thousand hogsheads of tobacco. After the 
capture of Washington, General Ross proceeded with his army 
and fleet to Baltimore. The militia, to the number of ten thou- 
sand, gathered under command of General Samuel Smith. On 
the 12th of September, the British were landed at the mouth of 
the Patapsco ; and the fleet began the ascent of the river. The 
land-forces were met by the Americans under General Strieker. 
A skirmish ensued, in which General Ross was killed ; but Colonel 
Brooks assumed command, and the march was continued. Near 
the city, the British came upon the American lines and were 
brought to a halt. 

8. Meanwhile, the British squadron had ascended the Patapsco 
and begun the bombardment of Fort McHenry. From sunrise of 
the 13th until after midnight, the guns of the fleet poured a 
tempest of shells upon the fortress.* At the end of that time, the 
works were as strong as at the beginning. The British had under- 
taken more than they could accomplish. Disheartened and baffled, 
they ceased to fire. The land-forces retired from before the en- 
trenchments, and the siege of Baltimore was at an end. 

9. On the 9th and 10th of August, the village of Stonington, 
Connecticut, was bombarded by Commodore Hardy ; but the 

* During the night of this bombardment, Francis S. Key, who was detained on board 
a British ship in the bay, composed The Star Spangled Bann&r. 



THE CAMPAIGNS OF '14. 261 

British, attempting to land, were driven back. The fisheries of 
New England were broken up. The salt-works at Cape Cod es- 
caped by the payment of heavy ransoms. All the harbors from 
Maine to Delaware were blockaded. The foreign commerce of 
the Eastern States was totally destroyed. 

10. From the beginning, many of the people of New England 
had opposed the war. The members of the Federal party cried 
out against it. The legislature of Massachusetts advised the call- 
ing of a convention. The other Eastern States responded to the 
call ; and on the 14th of December the delegates assembled at 
Hartford. The leaders of the Democratic party did not hesitate 
to say that the purposes of the assembly were disloyal and treason- 
able. After remaining in session, with closed doors, for nearly 
three weeks, the delegates published an address, and then ad- 
journed. The political prospects of those who participated in the 
convention were ruined. 

11. During the progress of the war the Spanish authorities of 
Florida sympathized with the British. In August of 1814, a 
British fleet was allowed by the commandant of Pensacola to use 
that post for the purpose of fitting out an expedition against Fort 
Bowyer, on the bay of Mobile. General Jackson, who commanded 
in the South, remonstrated with the Spaniards, but received no 
satisfaction. He thereupon marched a force against Pensacola, 
stormed the town, and drove the British out of Florida. 

12. General Jackson next learned that the British were making 
preparations for the conquest of Louisiana. Repairing to New 
Orleans, he declared martial law, mustered the militia, and adopted 
measures for repelling the invasion. From La Fitte, a smuggler, 
he learned the enemy's plans. The British army, numbering twelve 
thousand, came from Jamaica, under Sir Edward Packenham. On 
the 10th of December, the squadron entered Lake Borgne, sixty 
miles north-east of New Orleans. 

13. On the 22d of the month, Packenham's advance reached the 
Mississippi, nine miles below the city. On the night of the 23d, 
Generals Jackson and Coflfee advanced with two thousand Tennes- 
see riflemen to attack the British camp. After a bloody assault, 
Jackson was obliged to fall back to a strong position on the canal, 



262 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

four miles below the city. Packenham advanced, and on the 28th 
cannonaded the American position. On New Year's day the at- 
tack was renewed, and the enemy was driven back. Packenham 
now made arrangements for a general battle. 

14. Jackson was ready. Earthworks had been constructed, and 
a long line of cotton-bales and sand-bags thrown up for protection. 
On the 8th of January, the British moved forward. The battle 
l)egan with the light of morning, and was ended before nine o'clock. 
Column after column of the British was smitten with irretrievable 
ruin. Jackson's men were almost entirely secure from the enemy's 
fire, while every discharge of the Tennessee and Kentucky rifles 
told with awful effect on the exposed v.eterans of England. Pack- 
enham was killed; General Gibbs was mortally wounded. Only 
General Lambert was left to call the fragments of the army from 
the field. Of the British, seven hundred were killed, fourteen 
hundred wounded, and five hundred taken prisoners. The Ameri- 
can loss amounted to eight killed and thirteen tvounded. 

15. General Lambert retired with his ruined army into Lake 
Borgne. Jackson marched into New Orleans and was received 
with great enthusiasm. Such was the close of the war on land. 
On the 20th of February, the American Constitution, off Cape St. 
Vincent, captured two British vessels, the Cyane and the Levant. 
On the 23d of March, the American Hornet ended the conflict by 
capturing the British Penguin off the coast of Brazil. 

16. Already a treaty of peace had been made. Li the summer 
of 1814, American commissioners were sent to Ghent, in Belgium, 
and were there met by the ambassadors of Great Britain. The 
agents of the United States were John Quincy Adams, James A. 
Bayard, Henry Clay, Jonathan Russell, and Albert Gallatin. On 
the 24th of December, a treaty was agreed to and signed. In both 
countries the news was received with deep satisfaction. On the 
18th of February, the treaty was ratified by the Senate, and peace 
was publicly proclaimed. 

17. The only significance of the treaty was that Great Britain 
and the United States agreed to be at })eace. Not one of the issues, 
to decide which the war had been undertaken, wa^ even mentioned. 
Of the impressment of American seamen not a word was said. 



THE CAMPAIGNS OF '14. 263 

The wrongs done to the commerce of the United States were not 
referred to. Of ''free trade and sailors' rights," the battle-cry of 
the American navy, no mention was made. The treaty was chiefly 
devoted to the settlement of unimportant boundaries and the pos- 
session of some small islands in the Bay of Passamaquoddy. 

18. The country was now burdened with a war-debt of a hundred 
million dollars. The monetary affairs of the nation were in a de- 
plorable condition. The charter of the Bank of the United States 
expired in 1811, and the other banks had been obliged to suspend 
specie payment. Trade was paralyzed for the want of money. In 
1816 a bill was passed by Congress to re-charter the Bank of the 
United States. The President interposed his veto; but in the 
following session the bill was again passed in an amended form. 
On the 4th of March, 1817, the bank went into operation; and the 
business and credit of the country began to revive. 

19. During the war with Great Britain the Algerine pirates re- 
newed their depredations on American commerce. The government 
of the United States now ordered Commodore Decatur to proceed 
to the Mediterranean and chastise the sea-robbers into submission. 
On the 17th of June, Decatur fell in with the principal frigate of 
the Algerine squadron, and after a severe fight, compelled the 
Moorish ship to surrender. On the 19th, Decatur captured another 
frigate. A few days afterward he sailed into the Bay of Algiers, 
and obliged the frightened dey to make a treaty. The Moorish 
emperor released his American prisoners, relinquished all claims to 
tribute, and gave a pledge that his ships should trouble Aijierican 
merchantmen no more. Decatur next sailed against Tunis and 
Tripoli, compelled these States to give pledges of good conduct, 
and to pay large sums for former depredations. 

20. The close of Madison's administration was signalized by the 
admission of Indiana into the Union. The new commonwealth 
was admitted in December, 1816. About the same time was 
founded the Colonization Society of the United States. Many dis- 
tinguished Americans became members of the association, the ob- 
ject of which was to provide a refuge for free persons of color. 
Liberia, in Western Africa, was selected as the seat of the pro- 
posed colony. Immigrants arrived in suflicient numbers to found 



264 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

a flourishing negro State. The capital was named Monrovia, in 
honor of James Monroe, who, in the fall of 1816, was elected as 
Madison's successor. Daniel D. Tompkins, of New York, was 
chosen Vice-President. 



DEtEC^I=ITUXiA.TI01T. 

Scott and Ripley capture Erie.- Battles of Chippewa and Niagara.— Siege ot 
Fort Erie.— Winter quarters at Black Rock.- Wilkinson invades (\Tnada.-Is de- 
feated at La Uolle.— McDonough's squadron on Champlain. -The British advance 
to Plattsburg, -Attack by land and water.— And are defeated.— Cochrane and 
Ross in theChesapeake.— Battle of Bladensburg.— Washington is captured bj^the 
British.— Public buildings burned.— Alexandria pays a ransom.— Siege of Balti- 
more. -Ravages in New England.- The Federal peace party.— The Hartford 
Convention. -Jackson captures Pensacola.— Takes command at New Orleans.— 
Approach of the British.— Skirmishing and fighting. -The decisive battle.- Ruin 
of Packenham's army.— Sea-fights afterward.— The treaty of Ghent and its 
terms.— Condition of the country.— Re-chartering of the United States Bank.— 
llie Mediterranean pirates again.— Decatur sent out against them. —He captures 
Moorish ships.- And dictates the terms of peace. -Indiana Is admitted.— Liberia 
founded.— Mouroe is elected President. 



CHAPTER L. 
MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION, 1817-1825. 

THE policy of Madison was adopted by his successor. The 
stormy times of the war gave place to many years of peace. 
The new President was a native of Virginia; a man of great tal- 
ents and accomplishments. He had been a Revolutionary soldier ; 
a member of Congress; governor of Virginia; envoy to France and 
England ; secretary of state under Madison. The members of the 
new cabinet were, — John Quincy Adams, secretary of state ; 
William H. Crawford, secretary of the treasury; John C. Cal- 
houn, secretary of war; William Wirt, attorney-general. States- 
men of all parties devoted their energies to the payment of the 
national debt. Commerce soon revived; the government was 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION, 265 

economically administered; and in a few years the debt was hon- 
estly paid. 

2. In December of 1817, Mississippi was organized and admitted 
into the Union. The new State came with a population of sixty- 
five thousand souls. At the same time, the attention of the gov- 
ernment was called to a nest of pirates on Amelia Island, off the 
coast of Florida. An armament was sent against them, and the 
lawless establishment Avas broken up. Another company, on the 
island of Galveston, was also suppressed. 

3. The question of internal improvements now began to be agi- 
tated. Without railroads and canals the products of the interior 
could never reach a market. Whether Congress had a right to 
vote money to make public improvements was a question of debate. 
In one instance a bill was passed making appropriations for a 
national road across the Alleghanies, from Cumberland to Wheel- 
ing. Among the States, New York took the lead in improvements 
by constructing a canal from Buffalo to Albany. The cost of the 
work was nearly eight million dollars. 

4. In 1817 the Seminole Indians of Georgia and Alabama 
became hostile. Some negroes and Creeks joined the savages in 
their depredations. General Gaines was sent into the Seminole 
country, but his forces were found inadequate. General Jack- 
son was then ordered to reduce the Indians to submission. He 
mustered a thousand riflemen from Tennessee, and in the spring 
of 1818, completely overran the hostile country. 

5. While on this expedition, Jackson took possession of St. 
Mark's. The Spanish troops, stationed there, were removed to 
Pensacola. Two Englishmen, named Arbuthnot and Ambrister, 
charged with inciting the Seminoles to insurrection, were tried by 
a court-martial, and hanged. Jackson then captured Pensacola, 
and sent the Spanish authorities to Havana. The enemies of 
General Jackson condemned him for these proceedings; but the 
President and Congress justified his deeds. The king of Spain 
now proposed to cede Florida to the United States. On the 22d 
of February, 1819, a treaty was concluded at Washington city by 
which the whole province was surrendered to the American gov- 
ernment. The United States agreed to relinquish all claim to 



266 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Texas and to pay to American citizens, for depredations committed 
by Spanish vessels, five million dollars. 

0. In 1818 Illinois, the twenty-first State, was organized and ad- 
mitted into the Union. The population of the new commonwealth 
was forty-seven thousand. In December of 1819, Alabama was 
added, with a population of a hundred and twenty-five thousand. 
About the same time, Arkansas Territory was organized. In 1820 
tlie province of Maine was separated from Massachusetts and ad- 
mitted into the Union. The population of the new State had 
reached two hundred and ninety-eight thousand. In August of 
1821, Missouri, with a population of seventy-four thousand, was 
admitted as the twenty-fourth member of the Union. 

7. When the bill to admit Missouri was brought before Congress, 
a proposition was made to prohibit slavery in the new State. This 
measure was supported by the free States of the North, and 
opposed by the slaveholding States of the South. Congress was 
distracted Avith long and angry debates. At last the measure, 
known as the Missouri Compromise, was brought forward and 
adopted. Its provisions were— first, the admission of Missouri as a 
slaveholding State; secondly, the division of the rest of the Lou- 
isiana purchase by the parallel of thirty-six degrees and thirty 
minutes; thirdly, the admission of new States, south of that line, 
with or without slavery, as the people might determine; fourthly, 
the prohibition of slavery in all the new States north of the divid- 
ing-line. 

8. The President's administration grew into high favor with 
the people ; and in the fall of 1820 he was reelected. As Vice- 
President, Mr. Tompkins was also chosen for a second term. The 
attention of the government was next called to a system of piracy 
wliich had sprung up in the West Indies. Early in 1822, an 
American fleet was sent thither, and more than twenty piratical 
ships were captured. In the following summer. Commodore Porter 
was despatched with a larger squadron. The retreats of the sea- 
robbers were completely broken up. 

9. About this time, many of the countries of South America 
declared their independence of foreign nations. The people of the 
United States sympathized with the patriots of the South. Henry 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. - 267 

Clay urged upon the government the duty of recognizing the 
South American republics. In March of 1822, a bill was passed 
by Congress embodying his views. In the President's message of 
1823, the declaration was made that the American continents are not 
subject to colonization by any European -poiver. This is the principle 
ever since known as the Monroe Doctrine. 

10. In the summer of 1824, the venerated La Fayette, now 
•iged and gray, revisited the land for whose freedom he had shed 
his blood. The patriots who had fought by his side came forth to 
greet him. In every city he was surrounded by a throng of shout- 
ing freemen. His journey through the country was a triumph. 
It was a solemn moment when he stood alone by the grave of 
Washington. In September of 1825, he bade adieu to the people, 
and sailed for his native land. While Liberty remains, the name 
of La Fayette shall be hallowed. 

11, In the fall of 1824, four candidates were presented for the 
presidency. John Quincy Adams was put forward as the candi- 
date of the East; William H. Crawford of Georgia as the choice 
of the South; Henry Clay and Andrew Jackson as the favorites 
of the West. Neither candidate received a majority of the elec- 
toral votes, and the choice of President was referred to the House 
of Representatives. By that body Mr. Adams was elected. For 
Vice-President, John C. Calhoun of South Carolina was chosen by 
the electoral college. 



The new President and his policy.— The cabinet.— Revival of the country.— 
Mississippi is admitted.— The pirates of Amelia Island dispersed.- The question 
of internal improvements arises.— The canal from Buffalo to Albany.— The 
Seminole War breaks out.— Jackson captures St. Marks.— Hangs Arbuthnot and 
Ambrister.— Takes Pensacola.— The cession of Florida.— Illinois is admitted.— 
And Alabama.— Arkansas is organized.— And Maine admitted.— And Missouri. 
—The Missouri Compromise.— Monroe and Tompkins are reelected.— Commo- 
dore Porter suppresses piracy in the "West Indies.— Sympathj' of the United 
States for the South American republics.— The Monroe Doctrine.— The visit of 
La Fayette.— John Quincy Adams chosen President. 



268 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER LI. 

ADAMS'S ADMINISTRATION, 1825-1829. 

THE new President was a man of the highest attainments in 
literature and statesmanship. At the age of eleven years he 
accompanied his father, John Adams, to Europe. At Paris and 
Amsterdam and St. Petersburg the son continued his studies, and 
became acquainted with the politics of the Old World. In his 
riper years, he served as ambassador to the Netherlands, Portugal, 
Prussia, Russia, and England. He had also held the offices of 
United States senator, and secretary of State. 

2. The new administration was a time of peace ; but the spirit 
of party manifested itself with much violence. The adherents of 
General Jackson and Mr. Crawford united in opposition to the 
President. In the Senate the political friends of Mr. Adams were 
in a minority, and their majority in the lower House lasted for 
only one session. In his inaugural address the President strongly 
advocated the doctrine of internal improvements. 

3. When, in the year 1802, Georgia relinquished her claim to 
Mississippi Territory, the general government agreed to purchase 
for the State all the Creek lands lying within her borders. This 
pledge the United States had never fulfilled, and Georgia com- 
plained of bad faith. Finally, in March of 1826, a treaty was 
concluded between the Creek chiefs and the President, by which z 
cession of all their lands in Georgia was obtained. At the same 
time, the Creeks agreed to remove beyond the Mississippi. 

4. On the 4th of July, 1826— just fifty years after the Declara- 
tion of Independence — John Adams, second President, and his 
successor, Thomas Jefferson, both died. Both had lifted their 
voices for freedom in the days of the Revolution. One had writ- 
ten and both had signed the great Declaration. Both had lived 



ADA3fS'S ADMINISTRATION. 269 

to see their country's independence. Both had reached extreme 
old age: Adams was ninety; Jefferson, eighty-two. Now, while 
the cannon were booming for the fiftieth birthday of the nation, 
the honored patriots passed from among the living. 

5. In the congressional debates of 1828, the question of the tariff 
was much discussed. By a tariff is understood a duty levied on 
imported goods. The object of the same is — first, to produce a 
revenue for the government ; and secondly, to raise the price of the 
article on which the duty is laid, in order that the domestic man- 
ufacturer of the thing taxed may be able to compete with the 
foreign producer. When the duty is levied for the latter purpose, 
it is called a protective tariff. Mr. Adams and his friends favored 
the tariff; and in 1828 protective duties were laid on fabrics made 
of wool, cotton, linen and silk; and those on articles manufactured 
of iron, lead, etc., w^ere much increased. 

6. With the fall of 1828, Mr. Adams, supported by Mr. Clay, 
was put forward for reelection. General Jackson appeared as the 
candidate of the opposition. In the previous election Jackson had 
received more electoral votes than Adams; but the House of 
Representatives had chosen the latter. Now the people were de- 
termined to have their way; and Jackson was triumphantly elected, 
receiving a hundred and seventy-eight electoral votes against 
eighty-three for his opponent. 



Sketch of the President,— Partisan opposition to him. -Internal improvements 
favored by the executive.— Tronble with Georgia about the lands of the Creeks. 
—Settled by a treaty.— Death of Adams and Jefferson.— Discussion of the tariff" 
in Congress.— A protective duty laid on fabrics.— Adams renominated for the 
presidency.— General Jackson put forward by the Democrats.— And elected. 



270 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER LII 



JACKSON\S ADMINISTRATION, 1829-1837. 



rpHE new President was a military hero — a man of great talents 
A and inflexible honesty. His integrity was unassailable ; his 
will like iron. He was one of those men for whom no toils are 

too arduous. His 
personal c h a r - 
acter was im- 
pressed upon his 
administration. 
At the begin- 
ning, he re- 
moved nearly 
seven hundred 
office-holders, 
and appointed 
in their stead 
his own political 
friends. 

2. In his first 
message the 
President took 
ground against 
rechartering the 
Bank of the 
United States. 
He recommend- 
ed that the old charter should be allowed to expire by its own 
limitation in 1836. But the influence of the bank was very great; 
and in 1832 a bill to recharter was passed by Congress. The 




ANDRFAV JACKSON. 



JACKSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 



271 



President opposed his veto ; a two-thirds majority in fiivor of the 
bill could not be secured, and the new charter failed. 

3. In the congressional session of 1831-32, additional tariffs were 
levied upon goods imported from abroad. By this act the man- 
ufacturing dis- 
tricts were fa- 
vored at the 
ex2:)ense of the 
agricultural 
States. South 
Carolina was 
specially offend- 
ed. A conven- 
tion of her peo- 
ple was held, 
and it was re- 
solved that the 
tariff-law of 
Congress was 
null and void. 
Open resistance 
was threatened 
in case the offi- 
cers should at- 
tempt to collect DANIEL WEBSTER. 

the revenues at Charleston^ In the United States Senate the 
right of a State to nullify an act of Congress was boldly pro- 
claimed. On that question had already occurred the great debate 
between Colonel Hayne, senator from South Carolina, and Daniel 
^yebster of Massachusetts. The former appeared as the champion 
of State rights, and the latter of constitutional supremacy. 

4. The President now took the matter in hand and issued a 
proclamation denying the right of a State to nullify the laws of 
Congress. But Mr. Calhoun, the Vice-President, resigned his 
office to accept a seat in the. Senate, where he might defend the 
doctrines of his State. The President, having warned the South 
Carolinians, ordered a body of troops under General Scott to pro- 




272 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ceed to Charleston. The leaders of the nullifying party receded 
from their position, and bloodshed was avoided. Soon afterward 
Mr. Clay secured the passage of a bill providing for a gradual 
reduction of the duties until they should reach the standard de- 
manded by the South. 

5. In the spring of 1832, the Sac, Fox, and Winnebago Indians 
of Wisconsin began a war. They were led by the famous chief, 
Black Hawk. The lands of the Sacs and Foxes had been purchased 
by the government twenty-five years previously. The Indians, how- 
ever, remained in the ceded territory. When at last they were 
required to give possession, they refused to comply. The govern- 
ment insisted that they fulfill their contract, and hostilities began. 
The governor of Illinois called out the militia. General Scott was 
sent with troops to Chicago, to cooperate w^ith General Atkinson. 
The latter waged a vigorous campaign, defeated the Indians, and 
made Black Hawk prisoner. The captive chief was taken to 
Washington and the great cities of the East. Returning to his 
own people, he advised them to nuike peace. The warriors aban- 
doned the disputed lands and retired into Iowa. 

6. Difficulties also arose with the Cherokees of Georgia — the 
most civilized of all the Indian nations. The government of the 
United States had promised to purchase the Cherokee lands for the 
benefit of Georgia. The pledge was not fulfilled ; and the legis- 
lature passed a statute extending the laws of the State over the 
Indians. At the same time, the Cherokees and Creeks were denied 
the use of the State courts. The Indians appealed to the President 
for help ; but he refused to interfere. He recommended the re- 
moval of the Cherokees to lands beyond the Mississippi. The 
Indian Territory Avas accordingly organized in 1834. The In- 
dians yielded with great reluctance. More than five million dol- 
lars were paid them for their lands. At last General Scott was 
ordered to remove them ; and during the years 1837-38, the Cher- 
okees were transferred to their new homes in the West. 

7. More serious was the conflict with the Seminoles. The trouble 
arose from an attempt to remove the tribe beyond the Mississippi. 
Hostilities began in 1835, and continued for four years. Osceola 
and Micanopy, chiefs of the nation, denied the validity of a former 



JACKSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 278 

cession of Seminole lands. General Thompson was obliged to ar- 
rest Osceola and put him in irons. The chief then gave his assent 
to the old treaty, and was liberated, but immediately entered into 
a conspiracy to slaughter the whites. 

8. Major Dade, with a hundred and seventeen men, was now 
despatched from Fort Brooke, on Tampa Bay, to reinforce General 
Clinch at Fort Drane, seventy-five miles from St. Augustine. 
Dade's forces fell into an ambuscade, and were all massacred except 
;me man. On the same day Osceola, with a band of warriors, 
surrounded a storehouse where General Thompson was dining, and 
killed him and four of his companions. 

9. On the 81 St of December, General Clinch defeated the In- 
dians on the Withlacoochie. On the 29th of February, 1886, 
General Gaines was attacked near the same battle-field ; and again 
the Seminoles were repulsed. In October Governor Call of Florida, 
with two thousand men, overtook the savages in the Wahoo Swamp, 
near the scene of Dade's massacre. Here the Indians were again 
defeated and driven into the Everglades. 

10. lo the mean time, the President had put an end to the 
Bank of the United States. After vetoing the bill to recharter 
that institution, he conceived that the surplus funds which had 
accumulated in its vaults would better be distributed among the 
States. Accordingly, in October of 1883, he ordered the funds 
of the bank, amounting to ten million dollars, to be distributed 
among certain State banks designated for that purpose. The 
financial panic of 1886-87, following soon afterward, was attrib- 
uted by the Whigs to the destruction of the national bank 
and the removal of the funds. But the adherents of the Presi- 
dent replied that the panic was attributable to the bank itself 

11. In 1884 the strong will of the chief magistrate was brought 
into conflict with France. In 1881 the French king had agreed to 
pay five million dollars for injuries formerly done to American 
commerce. But the government of France neglected the payment 
until the President recommended to Congress to make reprisals 
on French merchantmen. This measure had the desired efiect, 
and the indemnity was paid. Portugal was brought to terms in a 
similar manner. 



274 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

12. Id these years, several eminent statesmen fell by the hand 
of death. On the 4th of July, 1831, amid the rejoicings of the 
national anniversary, ex-President Monroe passed away. In the 
following year, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the last surviving 
signer of the Declaration of Independence, died at the age of 
ninety-six. A short time afterward, Philip Freneau, the poet of 
the Revolution, departed from the hum ^m tne living. On the 24th 
of June, 1833, John Randolph of Roanoke died in Philadelphia 
In 1835 Chief- Justice Marshall breathed his last, at the age of 
fourscore years; and in the next year ex-President Madison, Avorn 
with the toils of eighty-five years, passed away. On the 16th of 
December, 1835, a fire broke out in New York city and laid 
thirty acres of buildings in ashes. Just one year afterw^ard, the 
Patent OflSce and Post-office at Washington were burned. 

13. In June of 1836, Arkansas, with a population of seventy 
thousand, was admitted into the Union. In the following January, 
Michigan territory was organized as a State and added to the 
Republic. The new commonwealth brought a po|)ulation of a 
hundred and fifty-seven thousand. In the autumn of 1836, 
Martin Van Buren was elected President. As to the vice- 
presidency, no one secured a majority, and the choice devolved 
on the Senate. By that body Colonel Richard M. Johnson of 
Kentucky was chosen. 



I2,EC.A.:PITTJLj<^TI03sr. 

Character of Jackson.— He fills the oflBces with his political friends.— Opposes 
the reehartering of tlie United States Bank.— Vetoes the bill.— The tariff ques- 
tion again.— South Carolina attempts nullification.— Debate of Webster and 
Hayne.— The President's proclamation.- South Carolina recedes from her posi- 
tion.— Mr. Clay's tariff compromise.—The Black Hawk War breaks out.— Gen- 
erals Scott and Atkinson drive the Red men to submission.— The difficulty with 
the Cherokees.— Scott compels their removal to the West.— A Second Seminole 
war.— The arrest of Osceola.— Dade's massacre.— Murder of General Thompson.— 
Clinch defeats the savages.— Gaines on the Withlacoochie.— Battle of the Wahoo 
Swamp.— The President orders the distribution of the funds.— A panic follows.— 
The President is vituperated.— He brings France and Portugal to terms.— Death- 
list of eminent men.— Fires in New York and Washington.— Arkansas and 
Michigan admitted into the Union.— Van Buren elected President. 



VAN BUREN'S ADMINISTRATION. 275 



CHAPTER LIII. 

VAN BURENS ADMINISTRATION, 1837-1841. 

MARTIN VAN BUREN, eiglith President, was born at Kin- 
(lei-hook, New York, on the 5th of December, 1782. After 
receiving a limited education he became a student of law. In 1821 
he was chosen United States senator. Seven years afterward, he 
was elected governor of New York, and was then appointed 
minister to England. From that important mission he returned 
to accept the office of Vice-President. 

2. One of the first duties of the new administration was to 
finish the Seminole War. In 1837 the command of the army in 
Florida was transferred to General Jessup. In the fall, Osceola 
came to the American camp with a flag of truce; but he was sus- 
l>ected of treachery, seized, and sent a prisoner to Fort Moultrie, 
where he died. The Seminoles, however, continued the war. In 
December Colonel Zachary Taylor, with a thousand men, marched 
into the Everglades of Florida, and overtook the savages near 
Lake Okeechobee. A hard battle was fought, and the Indians 
were defeated. For more than a year, Taylor continued to hunt 
them through the swamps. In 1839 the chiefs signed a treaty: 
but their removal to the AVest was made with much delay. 

3. In 1837 the country was afflicted with a serious monetary 
I)anic. The preceding years had been a time of great prosperity. 
A surplus of nearly forty million dollars, in the national treasury, 
had been distributed among the States. Owing to the abundance 
of money, the credit system was greatly extended. The banks 
of the country were multiplied to seven hundred. Vast issues of 
irredeemable paper money increased the opportunities for fraud. 

4. The bills of these unsound banks were receivable for the 

18 



276 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

public lands. Seeing that the government was likely to be de- 
frauded out of millions, President Jackson issued an order, called 
THE Specie Circular, by which the land-agents were directed to 
receive nothing hut coin in payment for the lands. The effects of this 
circular followed in the first year of Van Buren's administration. 
The banks suspended specie payment. In the spring of 1837, the 
.failures in New York and New Orleans amounted to a hundred 
and fifty million dollars. 

5, When Congress convened in the following Septeml)er, a bill 
authorizing the issue of ten millions of dollars in treasury notes 
was passed as a temporary expedient. More important by far was 
the measure proposed by the President under the name of the In- 
dependent Treasury Bill, by which the public funds were to 
be kept in a treasury established for that special purpose. It was 
the President's plan thus to separate the business of the United 
States from the general business of the country. 

6, The Independent Trea,sury Bill was at first defeated in the 
House of Representatives. But in the following regular session of 
('ongress the bill was again brought forward and adopted. During 
the year 1838, the banks resumed specie payments. But trade 
was less vigorous than before. Discontent prevailed ; and the ad- 
ministration was blamed with everything. 

7. In the latter part of 1837, a portion of the people of Canada 
broke out in revolt and attempted to establish their independence. 
The insurgents found sympathy in the United States Seven hun- 
dred men from New York, taking arms, seized and fortified Navy 
Island, in the Niagara River. The loyalists of Canada, however, 
succeeded in firing the CaroUne, the supply-ship of the adventurers, 
3ut her moorings, and sent the burning vessel over Niagara Falls. 
For a while, the peaceful relations of the United States and Great 
Britain were endangered. But the President issued a proclama- 
tion of neutrality, forbidding further interference with the affairs 
of Canada. 

8. Mr. Van Buren became a candidate for reelection, and re- 
ceived the support of the Democratic party. The Whigs put for- 
waid General Harrison. The canvass was one of the most exciting 
in the history of the country. Harrison was triumphantly elected. 



1837 



41 



45 



49 



53 



57 



Frederick William IV. 



37. Attempted capt ure of Madrid 
by Don Carlos. 



39. Suppr!ession of the Carl- 
ists in Spain. 



40. Th e body of Napoleon 
re, turned to France. 



37. Victoria suc'ceeds to the Engl 



37. Insurrection in Canada. 



46. 


Pius 

48. 
48. 
48. 


IX. 

Outbreak of the H 
52. 

Revolution in Fran 
.52. 

A republic proclai 




48. 


Louis Napole 

52. 


throne. 







ungarian Revoluti 

Fall of Kossuth and the Hunga 

The so-called Tripartite Tve 
med. 

54. The OstendJMauifes 

ou Bonaparte, elected i 

Louis Napole on, Preslden 

Louis Xapole on, Empei 



54. Tlie €ri 



mean Wstr. 

5S. Mutiii 



Van Buren, president. IJames K. Polk, President. IFranklin Pielrce, Preside. 

Wm. H. Harr ison, President. IZacliary Tayl or, president. James Buc 

i I Died Julv v., 1S5(I. 

RICHARI> M. JOHN T Y - OEO RC} K M. 31II.L.AK1> Fl I.l,:fIORE:, JOHN V. B' 

JOHNISON, ' E.EK, Vice- l>AI.I..AS,Vice-| Vice-President, a nd Pres 
Vice-President, I President, and President. after July y, 18.50. WILiI^I. AM R. 

elected by the President, after 4t). lotfa ad'initted into the U 



Senate. ! April, 1841. 

41. Repeal of the 

37. Monetary panic. Independent 

I Treasury Bill. 

37. The Inde- 41. Veto of the 
pendent 
Treasury I 



4(i. 



46. 



Bill. 

t'^ 1 Lake Oke- 
PiS*J chnhee. 
91 i eh i gran 

admitted in- 
to theUnion. 



TheSinith|souiaii Institution o 

|4;i. (alifurnia f 

The Oregon Buundar 

(4;i. Renewal of the 

General Taylor advances to 

49. New Mexic 

itted into the Unio 

.50. Passage of 

cans cross the Rio 

.50. Texas cede 

Alto. 

a de la Palma. 

50. ITfah Ter 
The Webater-Ashburton Treaty. 

46. The Mexic ans recross the Rio 



United State 

Bank charter, i4.5. Florida adm 

and resigna- 



tion of the 
President' 
("ahinet. 



46. The Mexi 

Palo 
Resac. 



^«- f n 



Nauvo o fouiidL-d by the M 
40. G reat political excite 



40. P 



42. Complet 
opulation, 17,06;t,l5 

44. J 
44. T 



TEXAK independent since 

.'i-^. Eianiuf, President. 

II. Honston, 

President 



[niEXICO, the ["Central Republi 
j37. Bustanient e. President. 
I 3S. Vera Cruz {besieged by the Fr 
41. Santa Ann 



ormons. 

46. Congress 
naent. 

Captu 
Monte 



46. 



n of Bunker Hill 
46. Fremont i 
3. 46. Colonel 



oe Smith killed. 



rey. 



.50. JohnC.Cal 
declares war agai 

50. Population 
re of Matamoras. 

50. Califori 
51. The 

Monument, 
n California. 
D oniphan's march. 
Buena Vista. 
Vera Cruz. 



he Magnetic Tel eg 

47. Pi 

47- Hi 

47. 11 



raph in operation 
Cerro Gordo. 
Contreras, San Ante 

.52. 
Chitrubusco. 
Downfall of Santa 
Molino del Rey, Gas 
Chapultepec. 

52. 
47. Captuire of Mexico 



Treaty of Ouada 
Discovery of Gold 



Ex-President John 
IVisconsin adm 

The Department of 



'36. 

45. Texas admitted into the Union. 



48- Mexican cession. 



ench. 

a« President. 



rganized. 

orms a State gove: 

y Treaty. 

slavery agitation, 
tlie Rio Grande. 
O Territory organ 
11. 

the Omnibus 

Grande. 

s territory to the ge 
.5:5. Kane's Arctic 
.5:5. Route for a Pac 
ritorv organized 
53. The Ciiadsde 

Grande. 

houn died, aged 68 

nst INIexico. 

23,191,876. 
53. Arizona Ten 
ia admitted into t 
ugitive Slave Law 

.53-60. Walker's fil 
54. Treaty wit 
54. The Ntorld 



54. The Ma 
54. The Ka 

54. Repeal of 
nio. 
Kossuth's visit to 

Anna. 

n de Malta. 

Henry Clay died, a, 

lupe Hidalgro. 

n California. 

.55. Civil 
Q. Adams died, ag 
tted into the Dnio 
the Interior organ 
Daniel Webster d 



KINO. V 

.57. The Dr. 

decisi 
nment. 
.57. Personal 

tyBiil 

zed. 

Bill. 

neral Gover; 
expedition, 
ific Railroail ■ 

n Pureha-*' 

57. The M..> : 

outbreak ii 

.57. The first 

Tele^i- 
itory organizes 1 
he t^nion. 

58. Minn. 
admitted im 
ibustering t 
h Japan. 
'sFairatNe^ 
68. Th. 
paign of 
and Sen;. 
rtin Kosy.l.-^j.ifeii 
nsa.«-Nel»ra»l I Bill 
tlie Missouri jiflffi. 
promise. >' 
the United ■- 
.59. 
Irving die.i 
.59. 
mitt. 



sed 75. 



Con 



of I 
P;-ti 

war in Kan.- 

edSl. 

n. 

zed. 

ed, aged 70. 
Den 



65 



69 



77 



1881 



William I, 



joleoii III, 

ity uf Peace bet 

ilia and Eiiglaii 

62. Ueath of 

the Con 

s East India arm 



67. War 

67. Hano 
68. F 



65. Fenian troubles 
68. R 
ween 
d. 

Prince Albert, 
sort. 



between Prusci 

ver absorbed by Pr 
ormation of North 



la and Austria. 

ussia. [tion. 

German Confedera- 
ning of Franco- 
ujisian War. 

Sedan. 



71. Downf all of Napoleon. 



Begin 
Pr 



72. 

72. 
in Ireland, 
eform Bill passed, 
of the G 
70. Irish Ohur 
71. Bill fo 
72. Po 



SifQe nf Paris ; 
Ff4 Treaty of Pe 

King William 

proclaimed Emp 
74. Overthrow 

ladstone Ministry. 

ch disestablished. 

rbidding sale of Co 

pulation United Ki 
74.nisraeli. 



77. The Rnsso- 

77. Pi ^^«^^f,,. 

77. Invasion of Eu 
by the 

''' III Collapse 
78. Treaty <> 
78. Treaty « 

TO. Death 
ace. T 

79. Leo 

eror, '9. The 

79. Over- 
throw of Disraeli 
Ministry. 80. B 

mmissions. 

ngdoin, .31,465,480. 

Prime Minister. 



Turlcisli War. 

81. Assassination of 
the Czar of Russisu 
ropean Turkey 
Russians. 
capture of Plevna. 
of Ottoman Empire. 
r San Stefano. 
f Kerlin. 

of Pius IX. 

XIII. 
Zulu War. 

81. Accession of 

Alexander III, 

ntish troubles in 

Afghanistan. 
81. Death of Earl 

Beacons&eld. 



braham Lincoln, Pi ebideni. lU. S. Grant, 
Andrew John 



m, Pre.Mdent. 

AlWNIBAL. H 

Ten of the Sout 
The Star of the 
vq:^ Fall of Fort 
^y Sumter 
Xlie President c 
Confederate Co 
The President c 

a Bull Run. 
BalVsBlu 
Mill " 
, Swin 
Mason and Slid 
Kansas admi 



62. 



Ol FortB 
^^'Pittab 

Fhe M 
Mer 

Murfr 

Front 
W^Fair 

Seven 

Antiet 

6:!.' The 



an,. ''^- B _ 
;oln f>?,. Wes 

^ ^- m 

63. Hi 

;ton C).-}. Tile P 
(U. T 
»n ad- o, 

e Union. *'*• 
e Japanese ,., 
n the U. S. ^*- 
uption ^. 

)cratic "*• 

arleston. 64. 



Illation, 
11,44.3,231. 

lat of the 
Partv. 
th Car- 
cedes. 



64. 



Vice-President. 
AMi:iIN,V.-Pre8 
hern States secede 
West tired upon. 
66. The Atlan 
tic Cable laid 
alls for 7-0,000 men 
nsress at Montgom 
ails for 500,000 me 
65. Reconstruction 
taken by the 
65. Amnesty P 
g. 66. Tennessee 
ell captured, 
tted into the Union. 
onelson. 67- Purch 
urg Ldij. 67. Nebr 
onitor and 68. I 
rimae. 68. T 

eeshorough. 68. A 
Royal and Port Rep 
Oaks. 
Days' battles. 68. G 



Enianci patio 

Siege of Vicksburg. 
Chickamauga. 
Lookout Mountain. 
Missionary Ridge. 
tTirgrinia admi 
Siege of Kno.rrille. 
Morgan's raid. 
Chahcellorsrille. 
Lee invades Penns 
Gettysburg. 
resident orders a dr 
ho President calls 

tM^ BaUon.Resaea. 
fM\T)allas, Kenesa 
Siege of Atlant 
Franklin. 
Nashville, 
Nevada admitted 
ir%\ Fort McAlliste 
'^MiPetersburg. 
^:fm Mobile Bay. 
^i3iFort Fisher. 
kps The Alabama 
^^and Kearsarge. 
Tg-^The Wilderness. 
|l||CoW Harbor. 
I^ineoln re-elect 
f.'s g'^ Five Forks. 
^^- IJ| Lee's mrre 
65. Lincoln assassi 



62. French in vasion 

maximilian el 

67. Frenc 



son, President aft 

«i<hiji:l.er c 

69. The Pacific Rai 
Cy. Edwin M. Star 
70. The Fiftee 
70. Robert E 
70. Admiral F 
ery. 70. Virginia, 
n.' 70. Populatio 
of the se'ceded Stat 
President. 
roolamati<»n. 
re-admitted into th 
71. Burni 
72. 
asp of Alaska. 
asksi admitted int 
mpeachment of Pr 
lie Fifteenth Ame 
rkansas, Alabama, 
■ublic. Carolina 

reat monetary pan 
72. 

u Proclamati 



72. 
72. 
ted into the Union. 
72. 
72. 



ylvania. 



aft for 200,000 troop 
for 300,000 men 



into the Union. 



nder. 
nated. 



ected Emperor, 
h army withdrawn 



President. 

er April 15, 1865. 

OI.FAX, 

Vice-President. 
Iroad completed, 
ton died, aged .55. 
nfh Amendment a 
Lee died, aged 63. 
arragut aied, aged 
Mississippi, and T 
n 38,558,371. 
es under- 



e Union. 

ns of Cliicaso. 

The Alabama 

o the Union. 

esident Johnson. 

ndnient adopted. 
Georgia, Florida, 
re-admitted into 

cin Xew York City. 

William H. Sewar 

Orantre-elect'd. 

on. 

Henry Wilson, 

Horace Greeley die 
Great fire in Bosto 

General George G. 

Boundary dispute b 

Britian settled. 



73. ModoclVar. 

73. The Credit Mob 

73. Chief- Justice C 

73. Great financial 

74. Charles Su 

76. 

76. 



R. B. Hayes, J. A. Garfield, 



Presid 
W. A. WHEEL. 

Vice-President. 

77. New Southern 
Policy adopted. 

dopted. 

69. 

exas re-admitted 
77. The great Rail) 
77. The Nez Pe 

77. Great financial 
77. Oliver P. Morto 
78. William C 
aged 84. 
Claims settled. 
78. Bayai d Tay 
78.Estahiishni 
Embassy 
78. Life-saving 
Louisiana, Noith C 
the Union. 

79. Resu 
Payment by 
d died, aged 71. 

79. Zacha 
80. R 
Vice-Pres., died 

Nov. 22, 1875. 
d, aged 61. 80. T 



President. 
ER, 
C. A. ARTHUR, 

Vice-President, 

land President after 

September 19, 1881. 

81. Assassination of 

President Oar> 

field. 

nto the Union. 
oad Strikes. 
rce War. 

depression, 
n died, aged 54. 
ullen Bryant died 
81. James T, Field-; 

died, 
lor died, aged 54. 
ent of a Chinese 
in U.S. 

Service establ'a. 
arolina. South 

mption of Specie 
the Government. 

riah Chandler died, 
efunding Question 
in Congress. 

he Tenth Census: 
Pop., 50,1.52,866. 
around the world. 

States and Great 
r Remonetizin'' 
ssed by Con'jiess. 
X Fishery Cornmis- 
e an award of 
'lollars against the 



77-79. Grant's tour 

Meade died, aged 

etween the United 

78. The bill fc 

Silve pa 

78. The Halifa 

sioti nial 

5,500,(IO(J 

Linited St 

ilier investigation. 

base died, aged 65. 

crisis and monetar 

mner died, aged 63. 

Colorado admit 

Centennial Ce 

Philadeljihia 
The disputed Presidency is settled 



81. Matt. H. Car- 
penter died. 

y panic. 

ted into the Union. 
lebration at 



C^JjEi^Vxv. X \ . 



National Perloil-Secoiiil Section. 

A. D. 1837-1884. 



I 



ADMINISTRATIONS OF HARRISON AND TYLER. 211 

After controlling the government for forty years, the Democratic 
piirty was temporarily overthrown. For Vice-President, John 
Tyler of Virginia wafs chosen. 



Sketch of the new executive.— Continuance of tVie Seminole War.— Colonel 
Taylor defeats the savages at Lake Okeechobee.— And compels submission.— 
The financial panic of '37.— The Specie Circular.— The banks suspend.— Tre- 
mendous failures. -Treasury notes are issued.— The Independent Treasury Bill 
is passed.— Partial revival of business.— The Canada insurrection.— Affair of the 
C«ro/</je.— Order is restored.— General Harrison is elected President. 



CHAPTER LIV. 

ADMINISTRATIONS OF HARRISON AND TYLER, 1841-1845. 

THE new President was a Virginian by birth, the adopted son 
of Rofeert Morris. He was graduated at Hampden-Sidney 
College, and afterward entered the army of St. Clair. He became 
governor of Indiana Territory, which office he filled with great 
ability. He began his duties as President by calling a special 
session of Congress. An able cabinet was organized, with Daniel 
Webster as secretary of state. Everything promised well for the 
new Whig administration ; but before Congress could convene, the 
President, now sixty-eight years of age, fell sick, and died just one 
month after his inauguration. On the 6th of April, Mr. Tyler 
became President of the United States. 

2. He was a statesman of considerable distinction ; a native of 
Virginia; a graduate of William and Mary College. In 1825 he 
was elected Governor of Virginia, and from that position he was 
sent to the Senate of the United States. He had been put upon 
the ticket with General Harrison through motives of expediency ; 
for although a Whig in political principles, he was knoivn to be 
hostile to the United States Bank. 



278 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

3. One of the first measures of the new Congress was the repeal 
of the Independent Treasury Bill. A bankrupt law was then 
passed for the relief of insolvent Inisiness men. The next measure 
was the rechartering of the Bank of the United States, A bill for 
that purj^ose was brought forward and passed; but the President 
interposed his veto. Again the bill received the assent of both 
Houses, only to be rejected by the executive. By this action a 
rupture was produced , between the President and the party which 
had elected him. All the meml:>ers of the cabinet excej)t Mr. 
Webster resigned their offices. 

4. A difficulty now arose with Great Britain about the north- 
eastern boundary of the United States. Since the treaty of 1783 
that boundary had been in question. Lord Ashburton on the part 
of Great Britain, and Mr. Webster on the part of the United 
States, were called upon to settle the dispute. They performed 
their work in a manner honorable to both nations ; and the present 
boundary was established. 

5. In the next year, the country was vexed with a domestic 
trouble in Ehode Island. By the terms of the old charter of that 
State the right of suffirage was restricted to property-holders. A 
proposition was now made to change the constitution, and on that 
issue the people of Rhode Island were nearly agreed ; but in respect 
to the mamier of annulling the old charter there was a division. 
One faction, called the "law and order party," chose Samuel W. 
King as governor. The other Miction, called the "suffrage party," 
elected Thomas W. Dorr. In May of 1842 both parties met and 
organized their governments. 

0. The "law and order party" now undertook to suppress the 
faction of Dorr. The latter resisted, and made an attempt to cap- 
ture the State arsenal. But the militia drove the assailants away. 
Afterward, Dorr's partisans were dispersed by the troops of the 
United States. Dorr fled from Rhode Island ; but, a few months 
later, \vas arrested, tried for treason, and sentenced to imprison- 
ment for life. He was then offered a pardon, but refused to accept 
it; and in June of 1845, was set at liberty. 

7. About the same time, a disturbance occurred in New York. 
Until the year 1840, the descendants of Van Rensselaer, one of the 



ADMINISTRATIONS OF IIABRISON AND TYLER. 279 

old Dutcli patroons of New Netlierlaiid, liiid held a claim on lands 
iu the counties of Kensselaer, Columbia, and D(3lawai-e. At last 
the firmers grew tired of paying rents and rebelled. In 1844 the 
anti-rent party became so bold as to coat with tar and feathers their 
fellow-tenants who made the payments to the Rensselaers. Time 
and again the authorities of the State were invoked to quell the 
rioters ; and the dispute has never been permanently settled. 

8. Of a different sort was the difficulty with the Mormons. 
Under the leadership of their prophet, Joseph Smith, they made 
a first settlement in Jackson county, Missouri. Here their 
numbers increased to fully fifteen hundred. A difficulty arose 
between them and the people of Missouri. The militia was called 
out, and the Mormons were obliged to leave the State. In 1839 
they crossed the Mississippi into Illinois, and laid out a city which 
they called Nauvoo, meaning the Beautiful. Here they built a 
splendid temple. Other Mormons came to join the community, 
until the number reached ten thousand. For awhile Smith admin- 
istered the government according to Mormon usage; then serious 
troubles arose between the Mormons and the people of Illinois, 
and civil war ensued. 

9. Finally, Smith and his brother were arrested, taken to Car- 
thage and lodged in jail. On the 27th of June, 1844, a mob 
liroke open the jail doors and killed the prisoners. In the follow- 
ing year, Nauvoo was besieged by the populace. At last the Mor- 
mons gave up in despair, and resolved to exile themselves beyond 
the limits of civilization. In 1846 they began a toilsome march 
to the far West ; crossed the Rocky Mountains ; reached the Great 
Salt Lake ; and founded Utah Territory. 

10. Meanwhile, a great agitation had arisen in regard to Texas. 
From 1821 to 1836 this vast territory had been a province of Mex^ 
ico. It had been the policy of that country to keep Texas unin- 
habited, in order that the Americans might not encroach on the 
Mexican borders. At last, however, a large land-grant was made 
to Moses Austin of Connecticut, on condition that he would settle 
three hundred families within the limits of his domain. After- 
ward the grant was confirmed to his son Stephen, with the privi- 
lege of establishing five hundred additional families of immigrants- 



280 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



11. In the year 1835, the Texans raised the standard of rebell- 
ion. In a battle, fought at Gonzales, a thousand Mexicans were 
defeated by a Texan force of five hundred. On the 6th of March, 
1836, a Texan fort, called the Alamo, was surrounded by eight 
thousand Mexicans, led by Santa Anna. The garrison was overpow- 
ered and mas- 
sacred. The 
daring David 
Crockett w a s 
one of the vic- 
t i m s of the 
butchery. I n 
the next month 
was fought the 
decisive battle 
of San Jacinto, 
which gave to 
Texns her inde- 
pendence. 

12. The peo- 
ple of Texas 
now asked to be 
admitted into 
the Union. At 

PROFESSOR S. F. B. MORSE. firSt tllC prOpO- 

sition was declined by President Van Buren. In 1844, the question 
of annexation was again agitated ; and on that question the people 
divided in the presidential election. The annexation was favored by 
the Democrats and opposed by the Whigs. James K. Polk of 
Tennessee was put forward as the Democratic candidate, while the 
Whigs chose their favorite leader, Henry Clay. The former was 
elected; for Vice President, George M. Dallas of Pennsylvania was 
chosen. 

13. On the 29th of May, 1844, the news of the nomination of 
Mr. Polk was sent fi-om Baltimore to Washington by the Mag- 
netic Telegraph. It was the first despatch ever so transmitted ; 
and the event marks an ei-a in the history of civilization. The in- 




FOLK'S ADMINISTRATION AND MEXICAN WAR. 281 

ventor of the telegraj^h, which has proved so great a blessing to 
iiiaiikiud, was Professor Samuel F. B. Morse of Massachusetts. 
Perhaps no other invention has exercised so beneficent an influence 
')ii the welfare of the human race. 

14r, Wlien Congress convened in December of 1844, a bill to 
annex Texas to the United States was brought forward, and, on 
the 1st of the following March, Avas passed. The President imme- 
diately gave his assent; and, on the 29th of December, Texas took 
her place in the Re])uljlic. On the od of March in this year, bills 
for the a<lmission of Florida and Iowa w^ere also signed ; but the 
latter State w^as not formally admitted until December 28th, 1846. 



Sketch of the Presidont\s life.— He enters npou liis duties.— Falls sick.— And 
dies.— Tyler succeeds him.— Ilepeal of the Independent Treasury Bill. -The bill 
to re-charter the United States Bank is vetoed by the President.— Rupture be- 
tween the executive and Congress.— Resignation of the cabinet.— The north- 
eastern boundary is settled by the Webster-Ashburton treaty. -The Rhode 
Island insurrection.— The suffrage party elects Dorr.— And the law-and-order 
party King.— The latter is supported by the government.— Dorr's followers are 
scattered. -And himself convicted of treason.— But afterward pardoned.— The 
Van Rensselear land troubles in New York.— Tlie Mormons are driven from 
Missouri.— Found Nauvoo.— Popular feeling against them.— Smith and his 
brother are murdered.— And the Mormons driven into exile.— They journey to 
Salt Lake.— The Texas excitement begins.— The people rebel against Mexico.— 
Battle of Gonzales.— Massacre of the Alamo.— The battle of San Jacinto.— Texas 
independent.— Seeks admission into the Union.- The question of annexation 
before the people.— On tiiat issue Polk is elected President.— Professor Morse and 
the telegraph.— Texas admitted into the Union.- Also Iowa and Florida. 



CHAPTER LV. 

POLK'S ADMINISTRATION AND THE MEXICAN WAR, 1845-49. 

PRESIDENT POLK was a native of North Carolina. In boy- 
hood he removed with his father to Tennessee, and in 1839 
rose to the position of governor of that State. At the head of his 
cabinet he placed James Buchanan of Pennsylvania. 

2. A war with Mexico was at hand. On the 4th of July, 1845, 



282 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



the Texan legislature ratified the act of annexation. Almonte, the 
Mexican minister at Washington, immediately left the country. 
The authorities of Texas sent an urgent request to the President to 
despatch an army for their protection. Accordingly, General 
Zachary Taylor was ordered to march thither from Louisiana. The 
question at issue between Texas and Mexico was concerning bounda- 
ries. Texas claimed the Rio Grande as her western limit, while 
Mexico was determined to have the Nueces as the separating line. 
The government of the United States resolved to support the claim 
of Texas. General Taylor moved forward to Corpus Christi, at 
the mouth of the Nueces, and by November of 1845, concentrated 
a force of nearly five thousand men. 

3. In the following January, General Taylor was ordered to ad- 
vance to the Rio Grande. It was known that an army of Mexi^ 
cans was gathering for the invasion of Texas. In March the 
American army advanced to Point Isabel, on the gulf. There 
General Taylor established his depot of supplies, and then pressed 
on to the Rio Grande. He took his station opposite Matamoras 
and erected a fortress, named Fort Brown. 

4. On the 26th of April, a com})any of American dragoons, 
under Captain Thornton, was attacked by 
the Mexicans, east of the Rio Grande, and 
after losing sixteen men was obliged to sur- 
render. This was the first bloodshed of the 
war. General Taylor, leaving the fort un- 
der command of Major Brown, hastened to 
Point Isabel and strengthened the defences. 
This done, he set out with a provision-train 
and an army of two thousand men to re- 
turn to Fort Brown. 

5. Meanwdiile, the Mexicans had crossed 
the Rio Grande and taken a position at Palo Alto. On the 8th of 
May the Americans came in sight and immediately joined battle. 
After a severe engagement the Mexicans were driven from the field, 
with the loss of a hundred men. Only four Americans w^ere killed 
and forty wounded ; among the former was the gallant Major Ring- 
gold. 




'ENE OK TAYLOR o CAM- 
PAIGN, 1846-47. 



FOLK'S ADMINISTRATION AND MEXICAN WAR. 283 

6. On the following day, General Taylor resumed his march, 
and within three miles of Fort Brown, again came up(jn the Mexi- 
cans. They had selected for their battle-field a place called Resaca 
de la Palma. The enemy fought better than on the previous day. 
The American lines were severely galled until Captain May's 
dragoons charged through a storm of grape-shot, rode over the 
.Mexican batteries, ancl captured La Vega, the commanding gen- 
(M-al. The Mexicans, abandoning their guns, fled in a general rout 
On reaching Fort Brown, General Taylor found that the place had 
been constantly bombarded by the guns of Matamoras. 

7. When the news from the Kio Grande was borne througli tlie 
Union, the war spirit was everywhere aroused. On the 13th of 
May, 1846, Congress declared the existence of war. The President 
was authorized to accept fifty thousand volunteers, and ten million 
dollars wei-e placed at his disposal. Nearly three hundred thou- 
sand men rushed forward to enter the ranks. The American 
forces were organized in three divisions : the Army of the West, 
under General Kearney, to cross the Rocky Mountains against the 
northern Mexican provinces; the Army of the Centre, under 
General Scott as commander-in-chief, to march from the gulf coast 
into the heart of the enemy's country; the Army of Occupation, 
under General Taylor, to hold the districts on the Rio Grande. 

8. By the middle of summer, General Wool despatched a force 
of nine thousand men to the Rio Grande. Ten days after the 
battle of Resaca de la Palma, General Taylor captured Matamoras. 
The Mexicans fell back and took post at Monterey. Taylor was 
obliged to tarry near the Rio Grande until the latter part of August. 
By that time his numbers were increased to six thousand six hun- 
dred. The march against Monterey was begun; and on the 19th 
of September, the town, defended by ten thousand troops under 
Ampudia, Avas reached and invested. 

9. On the 21st of the month, the Americans, led by General 
Worth, carried the heights in the rear of the town. The Bishop's 
Palace was taken by storm on the following day. On the 23d the 
city was successfidly assaulted in front by Generals Quitman and 
Butler. The American storming-parties charged into the town. 
They reached the Grand Plaza, or public square. They hoisted the 



284 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

victorious flag of the Union; turned upon the buildings where the 
Mexicans were concealed; charged up dark stairways to the flat 
roofs of the houses; and drove the enemy to a surrender. 

10. After the capitulation, General Taylor agreed to an armistice 
of eight weeks. But the Mexicans employed the interval in war- 
like preparations. General Santa Anna was called home from 
Havana to take the presidency of the countty. A Mexican army 
of twenty thousand men was sent into the field. General Taylor 
again moved forward, and on the 15th of November, captured the 
town of Saltillo. Victoria, ii city in the province of Taniaulipas, 
was taken l)y General Patterson. To that place General Butler 
advanced from Monterey. General Wool, with strong reinforce- 
ments from San Antonio, entered Mexico, and took a position 
within supporting distance of Monterey. 

11. In June of 1846, the Army of the West, led l)y General 
Kearney, set out from Fort Leavenworth for the conquest of New 
INIexico and C'alifornia. After a w^earisome march he reached Santa 
Fe, and on the LSth of August captured the city. With four hun- 
dred dragoons Kearney continued his march toward the Pacific 
coast. At the distance of three hundred miles from Santa Fe he 
was met by Kit Carson, who brought intelligence that California 
had already been subdued. But Kearney with only a hundred 
men continued his march to the Pacific. 

12. For four years Colonel John C. Fremont had been exploring 
the country west of the Rocky Mountains. In California he re- 
ceived despatches informing him of the war with Mexico, and be- 
gan *to urge the people of California to declare their independence. 
The frontiersmen flocked to his standard ; and a campaign was be- 
gun to overthrow the INIexican authority. In several engagements 
the Americans were victorious over superior numbers. Meanwhile, 
Commodore Sloat had captured the town of Monterey. A few days 
afterward Commodore Stockton took San Diego. Fremont now 
joined the naval commanders in a movement against Los Angelos, 
which was taken without opposition. Before the end of summer the 
whole of California was sul)dued. On tlie 8th of January, 1847, the 
Mexicans were decisively defeated in the battle of San Gabriel, by 
which the authority of the United States was completely established. 



rOLTC\'< AD}fTXTSTRATIOX AXD ^fEXICAX WAR. 28;') 

13. Ill the mean time, Colonel Doniphan, with seven hrindred 
men began a march throngh the enemy's country from Santa Fe 
to Saltillo. On Christmas day, he gained the l)attle of Bracito, on 
the Rio Grande. On Sacramento Creek he met the Mexicans in 
overwhelming numbers, and on the 28th of February completely 
routed them. He then marched unopposed into Chihuahua, and 
iinally joined General Wool in safety. 

14. General Scott now arrived in Mexico and ordered the Army 
of Occupation to join him on the gulf for the conquest of the capi- 
tal. By the withdrawal of their troops, Taylor and Wool w^ere 
left in a critical condition ; for Santa Anna was advancing against 
them with twenty thousand men. General Taylor was able to 
concentrate at Saltillo a force of only six thousand. His effective 
forces amounted to but four thousand eight hundred. At the head 
of this small army he chose a battle-field at Buena Vista. 

15. On the 22d of February the Mexicans came pouring over 
the hills from the direction of San Luis Potosi. Santa Anna de- 
manded a surrender, and was met with defiance. On the 23d the 
battle began. A heavy column was thrown against the American 
centre, but \vas driven back by Captain Washington's artillery. 
The Mexicans next fell upon the American flank, where the second 
regiment of Indianians gave way. But the troops of Mississippi 
and Kentucky were rallied to the breach ; and again the enemy 
was hurled back. In the crisis of the battle the Mexicans made a 
furious charge upon Bragg s battery; but the columns of lancers 
were scattered with volleys of grape-shot. Against tremendous 
odds the field was fairly won. The Mexicans, having lost nearly 
two thousand men, made a precipitate retreat. 

16. On the 9th of March, 1847, General Scott, with twelve thou- 
sand men, landed to the south of Vera Cruz, and invested the city. 
On the morning of the 22d, the cannonade was begun. On the 
water side Vera Cruz was defended by the castle of San Juan 
d'Ulloa. For four days the bombardment continued without cessa- 
tion. An assault was already planned, when the authorities of the 
city proposed capitulation. On the 27th, terms of surrender were 
signed, and the American flag was raised over Vera Cruz. 

17. The route to the capital was now oj^en. On the 8th of Api'il, 



286 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




SrENE OF KCDTT S CAMPAIGN, \M1 



General Twiggs set out on the road to Jalapa. General Scott fol- 
lowed with the mam division. On the 12th of the month, Twiggs 

came upon Santa Anna, with 
fifteen thousand men, on the 
heights of Cerro Gordo. On 
the 18th, the American army 
advanced to the assault; and 
before noonday every position 
of the Mexicans had been 
successfully stormed. Nearly 
three thousand prisoners were 
taken, together with forty- 
three pieces of bronze artillery. Santa Anna escaped with his life, 
but left behind his ivooden leg. 

18. On the next day the victorious army entered Jalapa. The 
strong castle of Perote was taken without resistance. Turning 
southward, General Scott next led his army against the ancient 
city of Puebla. Though inhabited by eighty thousand people, no 
defence was made or attempted. Scott here waited for reinforce- 
ments from Vera Cruz. 

19. By the 7th of August, the American army was increased to 
eleven thousand men. General Scott again began his march upon 
the capital. The army swept through the passes of the Cordilleras 
to look down on the Valley of Mexico. Never before had the 
American soldiery beheld such a scene — a living landscape of green 
fields, villages, and lakes. 

20. At Ayotla, fifteen miles from the capital. General Scott 
wheeled to the south, around Lake Chalco, and thence westward to 
San Augustin. The city of Mexico could be approached only by 
causeways leading across marshes and the ])eds of bygone lakes. 
At the ends of these causeways were massive gates strongly de- 
fended. To the left were Contreras, San Antonio, and Molino del 
Ptey. Directly in fi-ont were the powerful defences of Churubusco 
and Chapultepec. These various positions were held by Santa 
Anna with more than thii-ty thousand Mexicans. 

21. On the 20th of August, Generals Pillow and Twiggs stormed 
the Mexican po.^ition at Contreras. In seventeen minutes six thou- 



POLK'S ADMINISTRATION AND MEXICAN WAR. 



287 



sand Mexicans, under General Valencia, were driven in utter rout 
from their fortifications. A few hours afterward General Worth 
carried San Antonio. This was the secoml victory. General Pillow 
led a column against one of the heights of Churubusco; and after 
a terrible assault the position was carried. Tliis was the fJiird tri- 
umph. Gen- .^^^r--^--^ 
eral Twiggs 
added a fourth 
victory by 
storming an- 
other height of 
Churubusco; 
while the ffth 
was achieved 
by Generals 
Shields and 
Pierce, who de- 
feated Santa 
Anna's re- 
serves. 

22. On the 
morning after 
the battles, the 
Mexican a u - 
thorities came 
out to negoti- 
ate. General general winfielu s( on 

Scott rejected their proposals, rested his men until the 7th of Sep- 
tember, and then renewed hostilities. On the next morning, Gen- 
eral Worth stormed Molino del Rey and Casa de Mata, the western 
defences of Chapultepec. The guns were next brought to bear on 
Chapultepec itself, and on the 13th, that citadel was carried by 
storm. Through the San Cosme and Belen gates the conquering 
army swept into the suburbs of Mexico. 

23. During the night, Santa Anna and the officers of the gov- 
ernment fled from the city. On the following morning, forth came 
a deputation from the city to beg for mercy ; but General Scott, 




288 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

tired of trifling, turned them away with contempt. "Forward!" 
was the order that rang along the lines at sunrise. The war-worn 
regiments swejit into the famous city, and at seven o'clock the flag 
of the Union floated over the halls of the Montezumas. 

24. On leaving his capital, Santa Anna turned about to attack 
the hospitals at Puebla. Here eighteen hundred sick men had been 
left in charge of Colonel Childs. For several days a gallant resist- 
ance was made by the garrison, until General Lane, on his march 
to the capital, fell upon the besiegers and scattered them. It was 
the closing stroke of the war. 

25. The military power of Mexico was completely broken. It 
only remained to determine the conditions of peace. In the winter 
of 1847-48, American ambassadors met the Mexican Congress at 
Guadalupe Hidalgo, and on the 2d of February, a treaty was con- 
cluded. By the terms of settlement the boundary-line between 
Mexico and the United States was established on the Rio Grande 
from its mouth to the southern limit of New ^lexico ; thence west- 
ward along the southern, and northward along the Avestern, boundary 
of that territory to the Gila ; thence down that river to the Color- 
ado; thence westward to the Pacific. New Mexico and Upper 
California were relinquished to the United States. Mexico guar- 
anteed the free navigation of the Gulf of California, and the river 
Colorado. The United States agreed to surrender all places in 
Mexico, to pay that country fifteen million dollars, and to assume 
all debts due from the Mexican government to American citizens. 

26. A few days after the signing of the treaty, a laborer, em- 
ployed by Captain Sutter to cut a mill-race on the American fork 
of Sacramento River, di6C(wered some pieces of gold in the sand. The 
news spread as if borne on the wind. From all quarters adventur- 
ers came flocking. For a while there seemed no end to the discov- 
eries. Straggling gold-hunters sometimes picked up in a feAv hours 
the value of five hundred dollars. The intelligence went flying to 
the ends of the world. Men thousands of miles away were crazed 
with excitement. Thousands of adventurers started overland to Cal- 
ifornia. Before the end of 1850, San Francisco had grown to be a 
city of fifteen thousand inhabitants. In Septemlier of that year, 
California was admitted into the Union ; and by the close of 1852, 
the State had a population of more than a quarter of a million. 



POLK'S ADMTNTSTRATTON A^D MEXICAN WAR, 289 

27. In the first summer of President Polk's administration the 
country was called to mourn the death of General Jackson. The 
veteran warrior and statesman died at his home, called the Her- 
mitage, in Tennessee. On the 23d of February, 1848, ex-President 
John Quincy Adams died at the city of Washington. He was 
struck with paralysis in the House of Representatives, where he 
liad so many times electrified the nation with his eloquence. 

28. In 1848 Wisconsin, last of the great States formed from 
the North-western Territory, Avas admitted into the Union. The 
new commonwealth came with a population of two hundred and 
fifty thousand. Another presidential election was already at hand. 
General Lewis Cass of Michigan was nominated by the Democrats, 
and General Zachary Taylor by the Whigs. As the candidate of the 
new Free-Soil party, ex-President Martin Van Buren was put for- 
ward. The real contest, however, lay between Generals Cass and 
Taylor. The memory of his recent victories in Mexico made Gen- 
eral Taylor the favorite with the people, and he was elected by a 
large majority. As Vice-President, Millard Fillmore, of New 
York, was chosen. 



I^,EC-A.I=ITTJLJ^TI01sr. 

Sketch Of Polk.— Texas ratifies the annexation.— General Taylor sent to defend 
the country.— The boundary question.— Taylor ordered to the Rio Grande.— He 
establishes a post at Point Isabel.— Builds Fort Brown.—Beginning of hostilities.— 
Taylor fights the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma.— The news in the 
ITnited States.— Declaration of War.— Plan of the campaigns.— General Wool 
musters the forces. -Taylor captures Matamoras and Monterey.— An armistice.— 
Santa Anna made President of Mexico. -Saltillo is taken by Worth.— Victoria by 
Patterson.— Wool advances.— Kearney captures Santa Fe. And marches to the 
Pacific coast.—Tlie deeds of Colonel Fremont.— Rebellion of the Californians. - 
Monterey, San Diego, and Los Angelos taken. -Battle of San Gabriel.— Tlie batth^s 
of Colonel Doniphan.— Taylor's and Wool's forces ordered to the coast.— Critical 
condition of Taylor's army.— Approach of Santa Anna. -Battle of Buena Vista.— 
Scott besieges and captures Vera Cruz.— Marches against the capital.— Battle of 
Cerro Gordo. -Jalapa, Perote, and Puebla are taken.— The army passes the Cordil- 
leras.— Reaches Ayotla.— The approaches and fortifications of the city. -Storm- 
ing of Contreras and San Antonio.— Churnbusco is carried.— The Mexicans driven 
back to Chapultepec— Scott rests his army.— Molino del Rey and CasadeMata 
are stormed .-Chapultepec is taken.-Flight of the Mexican government.-Tlie 
American army enters the city.-Santa Anna attacks the hospitals at Puebla.— 
Downfall of the Mexican authority. -The treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.— Its 
terms.-The discovery of Gold in California.— Death of Jackson and John Quincy 
Adams.— Wisconsin is admitted.— The canvass for President. -Rise of tlie Free^ 
Soil party.— Election of Taylor to the presidency. 



290 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 



CHAPTER LVI. 



ADMINISTRATIONS OF TAYLOR AND FILLMORE, 1849-1853. 



T 



HE 



new 



President was a V 



irciiiian 



liy birth, a soldier l)y pro- 
J- fession. During the war of 1812, he distinguislied himself in 
the Northwest. In the Seminole War he bore a part, but earned 

h i s greatest 
r e n w n i n 
Mexico. His 
administra- 
tion began 
with a violent 
agitation o n 
the question 
of slavery in 
the territories. 
2. In his 
first message 
the President 
advised the 
people of Cal- 
ifornia to pre- 
pare for ad- 
mission into 
the Union. 
The advice 
was promptly 
accepted. A 

HKESIDKNT TAYLOR. COnVCUtioU 

was held at Monterey in September of 1849. A constitution pro- 
hibiting slavery was framed, submitted to the people, and adopted. 




ADMINISTBATTONS OF TAYLOR AND FILLMORE. 291 

Peter H. Burnet was elected governor of the Territory ; represent- 
atives were chosen ; and on the 20th of December, the new gov- 
ernment was organized at San Jose. 

3. When the question of admitting California came before Con- 
gress the members were sectionally divided. The admission of 
the new State was favored by the representatives of the North and 
opposed by those of the South. The latter claimed that with the 
extension of the Missouri Compromise to the Pacific the right to 
introduce slavery into California was guaranteed by the general 
government, and that therefore the proposed constitution of the 
State ought to be rejected. The reply of the North was that the 
Missouri Compromise had respect only to the Louisiana purchase, 
and that the Californians had framed their constitution in their 
own way. 

4. Other questions added fuel to the controversy. Texas claimed 
New Mexico as a part of her territory, and the claim was resisted 
by the people of Santa Fe. The people of the South complained 
that fugitive slaves were aided and encouraged in the North. The 
opponents of slavery demanded the abolition of the slave-trade in 
the District of Columbia. 

5. Henry Clay appeared as a peacemaker. On the 9th of May, 
1850, he brought forward, as a compromise, the Omnibus Bill, 
of which the provisions Avere as follows : Fii^st, the admission of 
California as a free State ; second, the formation of new States, not 
exceeding four in number, out of Texas, said States to permit or 
exclude slavery as the people should determine ; tJiird, the organi- 
zation of territorial governments for New Mexico and Utah, with- 
out conditions as to slavery ; fourth, the establishment of the present 
boundary between Texas and New Mexico ; fifth, the enactment of 
a stringent law for the recovery of fugitive slaves ; sixth, the aboli- 
tion of the slave-trade in the District of Columbia. 

6. When the Omnibus Bill was laid before Congress, the de- 
bates broke out anew. While the discussion was at its height, 
President Taylor fell sick, and died on the 9th of July, 1850. Mi-. 
Fillmore at once took the oath of office and entered upon the duties 
of the presidency. A new cabinet was formed, with Daniel Web- 
ster at the head as secretary of state. 

19 



292 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



7. On the 18th of September, the coinproiiiisc proposed by Mr. 
Clay was adopted, and received the sanction of the President. The 

excitement in the 
country rapidly 
abated, and the 
controversy seem- 
ed at an end. 
Shortly afterward 
Mr. Clay l)ade 
adieu to the Sen- 
ate, and sought 
at Ashland a 
brief rest from 
the cares of public 
life. 

8. The year 
1850 was marked 
by an attempt of 
some American 
adventurers to 
conquer Cuba. It 
was thought that 




HENRY CLAY. 



the Cubans were 
anxious to annex themselves to the United States. General Lopez 
organized an expedition in the South, and on the 19th of May, 
1850, effected a landing at Cardenas, a port of Cuba. But there 
was no uprising in his favor ; and he was obliged to return to 
Florida. Renewing the attempt in the following year, he and his 
band were defeated and captured by the Spaniards. Lopez and 
the ringleaders were taken to Havana and executed. 

9. In 1852 a serious trouble arose with England. By the terms of 
former treaties the coast-fisheries of Newfoundland belonged to Great 
Britain. But outside of a line drawn three miles from the shore 
American fishermen enjoyed equal rights. A quarrel now arose as to 
how the line should be drawn across the bays and inlets ; and both 
nations sent men-of-war to the contested waters. But reason tri- 
umphed over passion, and in 1854 the difficulty was settled happily 



ADMINISTRAriO^'S OF TAYLOR AND FILLMORE. 29^ 



by negotiation ; and tlie riglit to take fisli in the bays of the British 
possessions was conceded to American fishermen. 

10. Durhig the summer of 1852, the Hungarian patriot Louis 
Kossuth made the tour of the United States. He came to plead 
the cause of Hungaiy before the American people, and was every- 
where received 

with expressions 
of sympathy and 
good- will. But 
the policy of the 
United States 
forbade the gov- 
ernment to inter- 
fere on behalf of 
the Hungarian 
patriots. 

11. The atten- 
tion of the A meri- 
can people was 
next directed to 
explorations i n 
the Arctic Ocean. 
In 1845 Sir John 
Franklin, a brave 
English seaman, 
went on a voy- 
age of discovery 
to the North. 
Years went by, j .hn c. cauioun. 

jiud no tidings came from the daring sailor. Other expeditions 
were sent in search, but returned without success. Henry Grinnell, 
of New York, despatched a fleet to the North, under command of 
Lieutenant De Haven. In 1853 an Arctic squadron was equipped, 
the command of which was given to Dr. Elisha Kent Kane ; but 
the expedition returned without the discovery of Franklin. 

12. During the administrations of Taylor and Fillmore, many 
distinguished men fell by the hand of death. On the 31st of 




294 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

March, 1850, Joliii C. Calhoun of South Carolina passed away. 
At the age of sixty-eight he fell from his i)lace like a scarred oak 
of the forest never to rise again. His death was much lamented, 
especially in his own State, to whose interests he had devoted the 
energies of his life. Then followed the death of the President; 
and then, on the 29th of June, 1852, the great Henry Clay sank 
to rest. On the 24th of the following October, Daniel Webster 
died at his home at Marshfield, Massachusetts. The office of 
secretary of state was then conferred on Edward Everett. 

13. The political parties again marshaled their forces. Franklin 
Pierce of New Hampshire appeared as the candidate of the Dem- 
ocratic party, and General Winfield Scott as the choice of the 
Whigs. The question at issue before the country was the Com- 
promise Act of 1850. Both the Whig and Democratic platforms 
stoutly reaffirmed the doctrines of the Omnibus Bill. A third 
party arose, however, whose members declared that all the Terri- 
tories of the United States ought to be free. John P. Hale of 
New Hamjisliire was put forward as the candidate of this Free 
Soil party. Mr. Pierce was elected by a large majority, and 
William R. King of Alabama was chosen Vice-President. 



:r:ei(OJl.:e>xtjjXjJ^txo2>t. 

Sketch of the chief magistrate.— The question of slavery in California.— A 
territorial government is organized.— The controversy in Congress.— Other polit- 
ical vexatio'is.— Clay as a peacemaker.— Passage of the Omnibus Bill.— And Its 
provisions.- Death of the President.— The slavery excitement subsides.— Retire- 
ment of Mr. Clay.— The Cuban expedition is organized.— Lopez and his associates 
are executed.— The difficulty about the coast fisheries is settled by a treaty.— The 
tour of Kossuth.— Arctic expeditions of Franklin, De Haven, and Kane.— Death 
of Calhoun, Clay, and Webster.— The candidates for the presidency.— Pierce it 
elected 



PIERCES ADMINISTRATION. 295 



CHAPTER LVII. 
PIERCES ADMINISTRATION, 1853-1857. 

THE new chief magistrate was a native of New Hampshire, a 
graduate of Bowdoin College, and a statesman of considerable 
abilities. On account of ill health, Mr. King, the Vice-President, 
was sojourning in Cuba. Growing more feeble, he returned to Ala- 
bama, where he died in April, 1853. As secretary of state, AVilliam 
L. Marcy of New York was chosen. 

2. In 1853 a corps of engineers was sent out to explore the route 
for A Pacific Railroad. The enterprise was at first regarded as 
visionary and impossible. In the same year, the boundary between 
New Mexico and Chihuahua was satisfiictorily settled. The diffi- 
culty was adjusted by the purchase of the claim of Mexico. The 
territory thus acquired is known as the Gadsden Purchase. 

3. In the same year intercourse was opened between the United 
States and Japan. Hitherto the Japanese ports had been closed 
against the vessels of Christian nations. In order to remove this re- 
striction. Commodore Perry sailed into the Bay of Yeddo. He ex- 
plained to the Japanese officers the desire of the United States to 
enter into a treaty. On the 14th of July, the commodore obtained 
an audience with the emperor, and presented a letter from the Presi- 
dent. In the next spring, a treaty was concluded ; and the i)rivi 
leges of commerce were granted to American merchantmen. 

4. On the very day of Perry's introduction to the emperor, the 
Crystal Palace was opened in New York for the World's Fair. 
The palace was built of iron and glass. Specimens of the arts and 
manufactures of all nations were put on exhibition within the build- 
ing. The enterprise and genius of the whole country were quick- 
ened into new life by the beautiful and instructive display. 

5. In January of 1854, Senator Douglas of Illinois brought fjr- 



296 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ward a proj^ositiou to organize Kansas and Nebraska. In the bill 
reported for this purpose a clause was inserted providing that the 
people of the territories should decide for tJiemselves whether the new 
State should be free or slaveholding. This was a repeal of the Mis- 
souri Compromise of 1821. From January until May, Mr. Doug- 
las's report, known as the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, was debated in 
Congress, and finally passed. 

6. Whether the new State should admit slavery now depended 
upon the vote of the people. The territory was soon filled with an 
agitated mass of people, thousands of whom had been sent thither to 
vote. In the elections of 1854-55, the pro-slavery party was trium})h- 
ant. The State Legislature at Lecompton framed a constitution 
permitting slavery. The Free Soil party, declaring the elections to 
have been illegal, assembled at Topeka, and framed a constitution 
excluding slavery. Civil war broke out between the factions. In 
September of 1855, the President appointed John W. Geary of 
Pennsylvania military governor of Kansas, with power to restore 
order. The hostile parties were soon quieted ; but the agitation had 
already extended to all parts of the Union. The Kansas question 
became the issue in tlie presidential election of 1856. 

7. James Buchanan of Pennsylvania was nominated as the 
Democratic candidate. He planted himself on the Kansas-Nebraska 
Bill, and secured a heavy vote both North and South. As the can- 
didate of the Free Soil or People's party, John C. Fremont of Cali- 
fornia was brought forward. The exclusion of slavery from all the 
Territories was the piinciple of the Free Soil platform. The Amer- 
ican or Know-Nothing party nominated Millard Fillmore. Mr. 
Buchanan was' elected by a large majority, while the choice for tln^ 
vice-presidency fell on John C. Breckinridge of Kentucky. 



Sketch of Franklin Pierce.— A route for a Pacific Railroad is explored.— Set- 
tlement of the boundary of New Mexico.— The Japanese ports are opened to the 
United States.— The World's Fair.— A bill to organize Kansas and Nebraska is 
passed.— Renewal of the slavery agitation.— The troubles in Kansas.— Geary sent 
thither as military governor. -Marshaling of parties on the slavery question.— 
Buchanan is elected to the presidency. 



B UCUAiWA xV W ADMl^lSTRA TION. 297 



CHAPTER LVIir, 

BUCHANAN'S ADMINISTRATION, 1857-1S61. 

JAMES BUCHANAN was a native of Pennsylvania, horn on 
the loth of April, 1791. In 1831 he was appointed minister 
to Russia, was afterward Senator of the United States, and sec- 
retary of state under President Polk. In 1853 he received the 
appointment of minister to Great Britain. As secretary of state 
in the new cabinet General Lewis Cass of Michigan was chosen. 

2. In the first year of Buchanan's administration, a serious trouble 
occurred with the Mormons. The difficulty arose from an attempt 
to enforce the authority of the United States over Utah. An army 
of two thousand five hundred men was sent to the territory in 1857 
to establish courts and compel obedience. For a while the Mormons 
resisted ; but when, in the following summer, the President pro- 
claimed a pardon to all who would submit, they yielded ; and order 
was restored. But the troops were not withdrawn from Utah until 
1860. 

3. Early in 1858, an American vessel, while exploring the Para- 
guay River, in South America, was fired on by a garrison. Rep- 
aration for the insult was demanded ; but the government was 
obliged to send out a fleet to obtain satisfaction. The authorities 
of Paraguay finally quailed before the American flag, and apologies 
were made for the wrong which had been committed. 

4. The 5th of August, 1858, was noted for the completion of 
THE FIRST TELEC4RAPHIC CABLE across the Atlantic. The success 
of this great work was due to the genius of Cyrus W. Field of New 
York. The cable was stretched from Trinity Bay, Newfoundland, 
to Valentia Bay, Ireland; and telegraphic communication was es- 
tablished between the Old World and the New. 

5. In 1858 Minnesota was added to the Union The population 
of the new State was a hundred and fifty thousand. In the next 



298 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



year, Oregon, the thirty-tliird State, was admitted, with a popula- 
tion of forty-eight thousand. On the 4th of the preceding INIarch, 
General Sam Houston of Texas, one of the most remarkable civil 
and military heroes of the nation, bade adieu to the Senate of the 

United States and re- 
tired to private life. 
6. The slavery 
question continued to 
vex the nation. In 
1857 the Supreme 
Court of the United 
States, after hearing 
the cause of Dred 
Scott, formerly a 
slave, decided that 
negroes are not, and 
cannot become, citi- 
zeiis. Thereupon, in 
.several of the free 
S t a t e s , Personal 
Liberty Bills were 
passed, to defeat the 
Fugitive Slave Law. 
In the fall of 1859, 
John Brown of Kan- 
sas, with a party of twenty-one daring men, captured the arsenal at 
Harper's Ferry, and held his ground for two days. The national 
troops were called out to suppress the revolt. Thirteen of Brown's 
men were killed, two made their escape, and the rest were captured. 
The leader and his six companions were tried by the authorities of 
Virginia, condemned and hanged. In Kansas the Free Soil party 
gained ground so rapidly as to make it certain that slavery would 
be interdicted from the State. 

7. In the presidential canvass of 1860, the candidate of the Re- 
publican pai'ty was Abraham Lincoln of Illinois. The distinct prin- 
ciple of this party was opposition to the extension of slavery. In 
April the Democratic convention assembled at Charleston ; but the 




GENEUAL SAM HOUSTON. 



BUCHANAN'S ADMINISTRATION. 299 

Southern delegates withdrew from the assembly. The rest adjourned 
to Baltimore and chose Douglas as their standard-bearer. There als« 
the delegates from the South reassembled in June, and nominated 
John C. Breckinridge of Kentucky. The American party chose 
John Bell of Tennessee as their candidate. The contest resulted 
in the election of Mr. Lincoln. 

8. The leaders of the South had declared that the choice of 
Lincohi for the presidency would be a just cause for the dissolution 
of the Union. A majority of the cabinet and a large number of 
senators and representatives in Congress were advocates of disun- 
ion. It was seen that all the departments of the government would 
shortly pass under tlie control of the Republican party. The Pres- 
ident was not himself a disunionist; but he declared himself not 
armed with the constitutional power to prevent secession by force. 
The interval, therefore, between the election and the inauguration 
of Mr. Lincoln, was seized by the leaders of the South as the fitting 
time for dissolving the Union. 

9. The work of secession began in South Carolina. On the 17th 
of December, 1860, a convention met at Charleston, and after three 
days passed a resolution that the union hitherto existing hetioeen South 
Carolina and the other States, luas dissolved. The sentiment of dis- 
union spread with great rapidity. By the first of February, 1861, 
six other States— Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisi- 
ana, and Texas — had all passed ordinances of secession. Nearly 
all the senators and representatives of those States resigned their 
seats in Congress and gave themselves to the disunion cause. 

10. In the secession conventions a few of the speakers denounced 
disunion as bad and ruinous. In the convention of Georgia, Alex- 
ander H. Stephens, afterward Vice-President of the Confederate 
States, undertook to prevent the secession of his State. He de- 
livered a powerful oration in which he defended the theory of 
secession, but spoke against it on the ground that the measure was 
impolitic, umvise, disastrous. 

11. On the 4th of February, 1861, delegates from six of the 
seceded States assembled at Montgomery, Alabama, and formed a 
new government, called The Confederate States of America. 
On the 8th, the government was organized by the election of Jef- 



.300 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



ferson Davis of Mississippi as provisional President, and Alexander 
H. Stephens as Vice-President. A few days previously a peace con- 
ference met at Washington, and proposed certain amendments to the 

Constitution. But Con- 
gress gave little heed; 
and the conference ad- 
journed. 

12. The country 
seemed on tlie verge of 
ruin. The army was on 
remote frontiers — the 
fleet in distant seas. 
The President was dis- 
tracted. With the ex- 
ception of Forts Sum- 
ter, Moultrie, Pickens, 
..nd Monroe, all the ini- 
lortant ^^^^ts in the 
-^ceded States had been 
>eized by the Confeder- 
ate authorities. Early 
in January, the Presi- 
dent sent the Star of the Wed to reinforce Fort Sumter. But the 
ship was fired on by a battery and driven away from Charleston. 
Thus in gloom and grief the administration of Buchanan drew to 
a close. Such was the alarming condition of affairs that it was 
deemed prudent for the new President to enter the capital by night. 




ALE.\AM)£U 11. 



IR^EC^IPITTJIj^TTOIsr. 

.Sketch of tlie President.— The Mormon difficnlty is settled.— A trouble with 
Paraguay is quieted by treaty.— The first Atlantic cable is laid.- Minnesota is 
admitted.— Retirement of Houston.— The Dred Scott decision and Personal Lib- 
erty bills.— John Brown's insurrection.— The political parties again divide on the 
slavery question.— Lincoln is elected President.— Condition of afTairs in the gov- 
ernment.— Position of P.achanan.— Seven States withdraw from the Union.— 
Position of SI ei)liens. -Organization of the Piovisional Confederate govern- 
ment. -Davis for President.— The peace movements end in failure.— Seiziire of 
forts and arsenals by the Confederates.— The Star of the Went is driven ofT from 
Sumter.— The President elect reaches Washington. 



LINCOLN'S ADMINLSTRATION AND CIVIL WAR. 



801 



CHAPTER LTX 



LINCOLNS ADMINISTRATION AND THE CIVIL WAR, 18G1-18G5. 

ABRAHAM LTNCH)LN ^va^^ a native of Kentucky, bom on the 
12th of February, 1809. At the age of seven he was taken 
.to Southern Indiana, where his l)oylioo(l was passed in poverty and 
toil. On reaching his 
majority, he removed 
to Illinois, where he 
distinguished himself 
as a lawyer. He gained 
a national reputation 
in 1858, when, as the 
competitor of Stephen 
A. Douglas, he can- 
vassed Illinois for the 
United States Senate. 
2. The new cabinet 
was organ ized w i t h 
William H. Seward of 
New York as secre- 
tary of state. Salmon 
P. Chase of Ohio was 
chosen secretary of the 
treasury, and Simon 
Cameron secretary of 
war ; but he was soon 
succeeded by Edwin 
M. Stanton. The secretaryship of the navy was conferred on 
Gideon Welles. In his inaugural address the President indicated 
his policy by declaring his purpose to repossess the forts and public 




ABRAHAM LINCOLN, 



302 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

property which had been seized by the Confederates. On the 12th 
of March, an effort was made by tlie seceded States to obtain from 
the national government a recognition of their independence; but 
the negotiations failed. Then followed a second attempt on the 
part of the government to reinforce Fort Sumter. 

3. The defences of Charleston were held by seventy-nine men 
under Major Robert Anderson. AYith this small force he retired 
to Fort Sumter. Confederate volunteers flocked to the city, and 
batteries were built about the liarbor. Tlie authorities of the Con- 
federate States determined to anticipate the movement of the gov- 
ernment by compelling Anderson to surrender. On the 11th of 
April, General P. T. Beauregard-, commandant of Charleston, sent 
a flag to Sumter, demanding an evacuation. Major Anderson re- 
plied that he should defend the fortress. On the following morn- 
ing the first gun was fired from a Confederate battery; and a 
bombardment of thirty-four hours' duration followed. The fort 
was obliged to capitulate. The honors of war were granted to 
Anderson and his men. 

4. Three days after the fall of Sumter the President issued a 
call for seventy-five thousand volunteers to serve three months in 
the overthrow of the secession movement. Two days later Virginia 
seceded from the Union. On the 6th of May, Arkansas followed, 
and then North Carolina, on the 20th of the month. In Tennes- 
see there was a 2)owerful opposition to disunion, and it was not 
until the 8th of June that a secession ordinance could be passed. 
In Missouri the movement resulted in civil war, while in Kentucky 
the authorities issued a proclamation of neutrality. The people of 
Maryland were divided into hostile parties. 

5. On the 19tli of April, when the Massachusetts volunteers 
were passing through Baltimore they were fired upon by the citi- 
zens, and three men killed. This was the first bloodshed of the 
war. On the day previous, a body of Confederate soldiers captured 
the armory of the United States at Harper's Ferry. On the 20th 
of the month, another company obtained possession of the great 
navy yai'd at Norfolk. The property thus ca})tured amounted to 
fully ten millions of dollars. For a while, Washington city was in 
danger of being taken. On the 3d of May, the President issued a 



CIVIL WAR.— CAUSES. 303 

call for eighty-three tliousand soldiers to serve for three years or 
durino- the war. General Winfield Scott was made commander- 
in-chief. War ships were sent to blockade the Southern ports. 
In the seceded States there was boundless activity. The Southern 
Congress adjourned from Montgomery, to meet on the 20th of 
July, at Richmond. There Mr. Davis and the officers of his cabi- 
net had assembled to direct the affairs of the government. So 
stood the antagonistic powers in the beginning of June, 1861. It 
is appropriate to look briefly into the Causes of the conflict. 



ie,EC^:PITTJXj-A.TIOIsr. 

Sketch of Abraham Li ncohi— Organization of his cabinet.— His purpose to re- 
possess the forts of the United States.— Preparations to reinforce Sumter.— Con- 
federate movements in Charleston.— Bombardment and fall of Sumter.— The call 
for troops —Secession of Virginia, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Tennessee.— 
The soldiers attacked in Baltimore.— Caprure of Harper's Ferry and the Norfolk 
navy yard.— Activity and preparations.— Davis and his cabinet at Richmond. 



CHAPTER LX. 

CAUSES, 



THE most general cause of the civil war in the United States was 
the diferent coiutrudion put upon the Constitution by the people of 
the North and the South. A difference of opinion existed as to how 
that instrument was to be understood. One party held that the 
Union of the States is indissoluble ; that the States are subordinate 
to the central government ; that the acts of Congress are binding 
on the States; and that all attempts at nullification and disunion 
are disloyal and treasonable. The other party held that the na- 
tional Constitution is a compact between sovereign States ; that for 
certain reasons the Union may be dissolved ; that the sovereignty 
of the nation belongs to the individual States; that a State may 



304 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

annul an act of Congress; that the highest allegiance of the citizen 
is due to his own State; and that nullification and disunion are 
justifiable and honorable. 

2. This question struck into the very heart of the government. 
It threatened to undo the whole civil structure of the United 
States. In the earlier history of the country the doctrine of State 
sovereignty was most advocated in New England. Afterward the 
peo2:)le of that section passed over to the advocacy of national sov- 
ereignty, while the people of the South took up the doctrine of 
State rights. As early as 1831, tlie right of nullifying an act of 
Congress was openly advocated in South Carolina. Thus it hap- 
pened that the belief in State sovereignty became more prevalent in 
the South than in the North. 

3. A second cause of the civil war was the different system of labor 
in the North and in the Soidh. In the former section the laborers 
were freemen ; in the latter, slaves. In the South the theory was 
that capital should own labor ; in the North that both labor and 
capital are free. In the beginning all the colonies had been slave- 
holding. In the Eastern and Middle States the system of slave- 
labor had been abolished. In the North-western Territory slavery 
was excluded from the beginning. Thus there came to be a divid- 
ing line drawn through the Union. Whenever the question of 
slavery was agitated, a sectional division would arise between the 
North and the South. The danger arising from this source was 
increased by several subordinate causes. 

4. The first of these was the invention of the Cotton Gin. In 
1793 Eli Whitney, of Massachusetts, went to Georgia, and resided 
with the family of Mrs. Greene, widow of General Greene. His 
attention was directed to the tedious process of picking cotton by 
hand. So slow was the work that the production of upland cotton 
was profitless. Mr. Whitney succeeded in inventing a gin which 
astonished all beholders. From being profitless, cotton suddenly 
became the most profitable of all the staples. It was estimated that 
Whitney's gin added a thousand millions of dollars to the revenues 
of the Southern States. Just in proportion to the increased profit- 
ableness of cotton, slave-labor grew in demand and slavery became 
an imjjortant and deep-rooted institution. 



CIVIL WAR.—CATTSKS. 30") 

5. From this time onward, there was constant clanger of dis- 
union. In THE MissoiiRf AC4ITATI0N of 1820-21, threats of dis. 
solving the Union were freely made in both the North and the. 
South. When the Missouri Compromise was enacted, it was the 
hope of Mr. Clay and his fellow-statesmen to save the Union by 
removing the slavery question from the politics of the country. 

6. Next came the Nullification Acts of South Carolina. 
The Southern States had become cotton -producing; the Eastern 
States had given themselves to manufacturing. The tariff meas- 
ures favored manufacturers at the expense of producers. Mr. 
Calhoun proposed to remedy the evil l)y annulling the laws of 
Congress; and another compromise was found necessary in order to 
allay the animosities which had been awakened. 

7. The Annexation of Texas led to a renewal of the Agita- 
tion. Those who opposed the Mexican War did so because of the 
fact that thereby slavery would be extended. At the close of the 
war came an enormous acquisition of territory. Whether the same 
shouhl be made into free or slaveholding States was the question 
next agitated. This controversy led to the passage of the Oinini- 
Rus Bill, by which the excitement was again allayed. 

8. In 1854 THE Kansas-Nebraska bill opened the question 
anew. Meanwhile, the character of the Northern and the Southern 
people had become quite different. In population and wealth the 
North had far outgrown the South. In 1860 Mr. Lincoln was 
elected by the votes of the Northern States. The people of the 
South were exasperated at the choice of a chief-magistrate whom 
they regarded as hostile to their interests. 

9. The third general cause of the war was the want of intercoiirxf 
between the people of the North and the South. The great railroads 
ran east and west. Emigration flowed from the East to the West. 
Between the North and the South there was little travel or inter- 
change of opinion. From want of acquaintance the people became 
estranged and jealous. They misrepresented each other's beliefs, 
and suspected each other of dishonesty and ill-will. 

10. A fourth cause was the imhUcatlon of sectional books. During 
the twenty years preceding the war, many works were })ublished 
whose pupularity depended on the animosity existing between the 



306 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

two sections. In such books the manners and customs of one sec- 
tion were held up to the contempt of the people of the other section. 
In the North the belief was fostered that the South was given up 
to inhumanity ; while in the South the opinion prevailed that the 
Northern people were a mean race of cowardly Yankees. 

11. Tlie evil influence of demagogues may be cited as the fifth gen- 
eral cause of the war. From 1850 to 1860, American statesmanship 
and patriotism were at a low ebb. Ambitious and scheming poli- 
ticians had obtained control of the political parties. The welfare of 
the country was put aside as of little value. In order to gain power, 
many unprincipled men in the South were anxious to destroy the 
Union, while others in the North were willing to abuse the Union 
for the same purpose. 

12. Added to all these causes was a groiving ptd)lic opinion in the 
North against the institution of slavery itself; a ])elief that slavery was 
wrong and ought to be destroyed. This opinion, comparatively 
feeble at the beginning of the war, was rapidly developed, and had 
much to do in determining the final character of the conflict. 



The causes.— First, the different construction of the Constitution in the North 
and tlie South.— Fatal character of this dispute.— Second, tlie system of slavery.— 
Tlie cotton gin.— The Missouri agitation.— The annexation of Texas, and the Mex- 
ican War.— The nullification measures of South Carolina.— The Omnibus Bill.— 
Tlie Kansas-Nebraska imbroglio.— Third, the want of intercourse between the 
North and the South. -Fourth, the publication of sectional books.— Fifth, the in- 
fluence of demagogues.— Sixth, hostility to slavery itself. 



CHAPTER LXI. 
FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR, 



ON the 24th of May, the Union army crossed tlie Potomac from 
Washington to Alexandria. At this time Fortress Monroe was 
held by twelve thousand men, under General B. F. Butler. At 
Bethel Church, in that vicinity, was stationed a detachment of 



FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR. 



307 



•ward from 
On the 3d of June, he 




Confederates commanded by General Magriider. On the 10th of 
June, a body of Union troops was sent to dislodge them, but was 
repulsed with considerable loss. 

2. In the last of May, General T. A. Morris moved for 
Parkersburg to Grafton, West Virginia, 
defeated a force of Confederates — 
at Philippi. General George B. 
McClellan now took the command, 
and on the 11th of July, gamed 
a victory at Rich Mountain. Gen- 
eral Garnett, the Confederate com- 
mander, fell back to Carrick's 
Ford, on Cheat River, where he 
was again defeated and himself 
killed. On the 10th of August, 
General Floyd, with a detachment 
of Confederates at Carnifex Ferry, 
on Gauley River, was attacked by 
General William S. Rosecrans and 
obliged to retreat. On the 14th 
of September, the Confederates under General Robert E. Lee were 
beaten in an engagement at Cheat Mountain. 

3. In the beginning of June, General Robert Patterson marched 
against Harper's Ferry. On the 11th of the month, a division 
commanded by Colonel Lewis Wallace made a successful onset 
upon the Confederates, at Romney. Patterson then crossed the 
Potomac and pressed back the Confederate forces to Winchester. 
Thus far there had been only petty engagements and skirmishes. 
Tlie time had now come for the first great battle of the war. 

4. The main body of the Confederates, under General Beaure- 
gard, was concentrated at Manassas Junction, twenty-seven miles 
west of Alexandria. Another large force, commanded by General 
Joseph E. Johnston, was in the Shenandoah Valley. The Union 
army at Alexandria was commanded by General Irwin McDowell, 
while General Patterson was stationed in front of Jolmston. On 
the 16th of July, the national army moved forward, and on the 
morning of the 21st, came upon the Confederate army, between 

20 



SCENE OF OPERATIONS IN WEST VIKfilNIA, 18()1. 



308 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Bull Run and Manassas Junction. A general battle ensued, con- 
tinuing with great severity until noonday. In the crisis of the 
conflict General Johnston arrived with nearly six thousand fresh 
troops from the Shenandoah Valley; and in a short time 
McDowell's army was hurled back in rout and confusion into the 

defences of Washington. The 
Union loss in killed, wounded 
and prisoners amounted to two 
thousand nine hundred and 
fifty-two ; that of the Confed- 
erates to two thousand and 
fifty. 

5. Meanwhile, on the 20th 
of July, the new Confederate 
government was organized at 
Richmond. Jeflerson Davis, 
the President, was a man of 
wide experience in the affairs 
of state, and considerable rep- 
utation as a soldier. He had 




VICINITY OF MANASSAS JUNCTION, 1861 



served in both houses of the national Congress, and as a member 
!)f Pierce's cabinet. His decision of character and advocacy of 
State rights had made him a natural leader of the South. 

6. The next military movements were made in Missouri. A 
convention, called by Governor Jackson in the previous March, 
'tad refused to pass an ordinance of secession. But the disunionists 
were numerous and powerful ; and the State became a battle-field. 
Both Federal and Confederate camps were organized. By captui'- 
Ing the United States arsenal at Liberty, the Confederates obtained 
% supply of arms and ammunition. By the formation of Cani]^ 
Jackson, near St. Louis, the arsenal in that city was endangered ; 
but by the vigilance of Captain Nathaniel Lyon the arms and 
stores were sent to Springfield. 

7. The Confederates now hurried up troops from Arkansas and 
Texas in order to secure the lead mines in the southwest part 
of the State. On the 17th of June, Lyon defeated Governor 
Jackson at Booneville, and on the 5th of July, the Unionists, led 



FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR. 



309 



by Colonel Franz Sigel, were again successful in a fight at Carthage. 
On the 10th of August, a hard battle was fought at Wilson's 
Creek, near Springfield. General Lyon made a daring attack on 
the Confederates under Generals McCulloch and Price. The 
Federals at first gained 
the field, but General 
Lyon was killed, and 
his men retreated. 

8. General Price 
now pressed northward 
to Lexington, which 
was defended by two 
thousand six hundred 
Federals, commanded 
by Colonel jNIulligan. 
A stubborn defence 
was made, but Mulli- 
gan was obliged to 
capitulate. On the 
16tli of October, Lex- 
ington was retaken by 
the Federals. General 
John C. Fremont fol-^^ 
lowed the retreating 
Confederates as far as 
Springfield, when he was superseded by General Hunter. The 
latter retreated to St. Louis, and Price fell back toward Arkansas. 

9. Notwithstanding the neutrality of Kentucky, the Confederate 
general Polk entered the State and captured the town of Columbus. 
The Confederates also gathered in force at Belmont, on the oppo- 
site bank of the Mississippi. Colonel Ulysses S. Grant, with three 
thousand Illinois troops, was now^ sent into Missouri. On the 7th 
of November, he made a successful attack on the Confederate camp 
at Belmont ; but was afterward obliged to retreat. 

10. After the rout at Bull Kun, troops were rapidly hurried to 
Washington. The aged General Scott retired from active duty, 
and General McClellan took command of the Army of the Potomac. 




■.FFF.RSON UA^c 



310 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



fj^ 



By October his forces had increased to a hundred and fifty thou- 
sand men. On tlie 21st of that month, two thousand troops Avere 
thrown across the Potomac at Ball's Bluff. Without proper sup- 
port, the Federals were attacked by a force of Confederates under 

General Evans, 
driven to the river, 
their leader. Colonel 
Baker, killed, and the 
whole force routed 
with a loss of eight 
hundred men. 

11. In the summer 
of 1861, a naval ex- 
pedition, commanded 
by Commodore 
Stringham and Gen- 
eral Butler, proceeded 
to the North Carolina 
coast, and on the 29th 
of August, captured 
^ the forts at Hatteras 

SCENE OF OPERATIONS IN THE SOUTn-WEST, 1861. lulct. Ou tllC Ttll 

of November, an armament, under Commodore Dupont and General 
Thomas W. Sherman, reached Port Royal, and captured Forts 
Walker and Beauregard. The blockade became so rigorous that 
communication between the Confederate States and foreign nations 
was cut off. In this juncture of affairs, a serious difficulty arose 
with Great Britain. 

12. The Confederate government appointed James M. Mason 
md John Slidell as ambassadors to France and England. The 
envoys, escaping from Charleston, reached Havana in safety. At 
that port they took passage on the British steamer Trent for Europe. 
On the 8th of Novendier, the vessel was overtaken by the United 
States frigate San Jacinto, commanded by Captain Wilkes. The 
Trent was hailed and boarded; the two ambassadors were seized, 
transferred to the San Jacinto, and carried to Boston. When the Trent 
reached England, the whole kingdom burst out in a blaze of wrath. 




FIEST YEAR OF THE WAR. 



Ill 



13. At first the government of the United States was disposecl 
to defend Captain Wilkes's action. Had such a course been taken, 
war would have been 
inevitable. The coun- 
try was saved from the 
peril by the diplomacy 
of William H. Seward, 
the secretary of 
state. When Great 
Britain demanded rep- 
aration for the insult 
and the liberation of 
the prisoners, he re- 
plied in a mild, cau- 
tious, and very able 
paper. It was con- 
ceded that the seizure 
of Mason and SI id ell 
was not justifiable ac- 
cording to the law of 
nations. An apology 
was made for the wrong 
done ; the Confederate 
ambassadors were liber- 
ated, put on board a 




WILLIAM II. SEWAKD. 



vessel, and sent to their destination. So 



ended the first year of the civil war. 



I2.E O jfi^I=ITTJIj.A.TI 03Sr . 

Advance Of the Union army.— Fight fit Bethel Church.— Morris and McClellan 
move forward in West Virginia.— Engagements at Philii:)pi, Rich Mountain, 
(Jarriclt's Ford, Carnifex Ferry, Cheat Mountain and Romney.-The Confeder- 
ates concentrate at Manassas.— The national forces advance!^— The battle and 
the rout. -The Confederate government at Richmond.— Notice of Davis.— 
Affairs in Missouri.— Confederates capture Ijiberty.-Form Camp Jackson.- 
Lyon defends .St. Louis.— Battles of Carthage and Springfield.— Price captures 
Lexington. -Fremont pursues him.— And is supei^eded.- Grant captures Bel- 
mont.— McClellan is made commander-in-chief.— The disaster at Ball's BluflT.— 
Hatteras Inlet and Port Royal secured I)y the Federals.— Capture of Mason and 
Slidell.— They are released by Mr. Sevvard. 



312 HISTORY OF THE Ul^JTED STATES, 



CHAPTER LXII. 

CAMPAIGNS OF '62. 

THE Federal forces now numbered about four hundred and fifty 
thousand men. Of tliese nearly two hundred thousand, under 
(general McClellan, were encamped near Washington. Another 
army, commanded by General Buell, was stationed at Louisville, 
Kentucky. On the 9th of January, Colonel Humphrey Marshall, 
commanding a force of Confederates on Big Sandy River, was de- 
feated by a body of Unionists, led by Colonel Garfield. Ten days 
later, an important battle was fought at Mill Spring, Kentucky. 
The Confederates, under Generals Crittenden and Zollicoffer, were 
severely defeated by the forces of General George H. Thomas. 
Zollicoffer was killed in the battle. 

2. At the beginning of the year, the capture of Forts Henry and 
Donelson, on the Tennessee and the Cumberland, was planned by 
General Halleck. Commodore Foote was sent up the Tennessee 
with a fleet of gunbcmts, and General Grant was ordered to move 
forward against Fort Henry. Before the land-forces reached that 
place, the flotilla compelled the evacuation of the fort, the Con- 
federates escajiing to Donelson. 

3. The Federal gunboats now dropped down the Tennessee and 
then ascended the Cumberland. Grant pressed on from Fort 
Henry, and began the siege of Fort Donelson. The defences w^ere 
manned by ten thousand Confederates, under General Buckner. 
Grant's force numbered nearly thirty thousand. On the 16th of 
February, Buckner was obliged to surrender. His army became 
prisoners of Avar, and all the magazines, stores and guns of the fort 
fell into the hands of the Federals. 

4. General Grant now ascended the Tennessee to Pittsburg Land- 
ing. A camp w'as established at Shiloli Church, near the river; 



CAMPAIGNS OF '62. 313 

and here, on the 6th of April, the Union army was attacked by 
the Confederates, led by Generals Albert S. Johnston and Beaure- 
gard. All day long the battle raged with great slaughter on both 
sides. Night fell on the scene with the conflict undecided; but in 
the crisis Genei-al Buell arrived with strong reinforcements. In 
the morning General Grant assumed the offensive. General John- 
ston had been killed, and Beauregard was obliged to retreat to 
Corhith. The losses in killed, wounded and missing were more 
than ten thousand on each side. 

5. After the Confederates evacuated Columbus, Kentucky, they 
fortified Island Number Ten in the Mississippi, opposite New 
Madrid. Against this place General Pope advanced with a body 
of Western troops, while Commodore Foote descended the Mis- 
sissippi with his gunboats. Pope captured New Madrid; and for 
twenty-three days Island Number Ten was besieged. On the 7th 
of April, the Confederates attempted to escaj)e ; but Pope liad cut 
ofl" the retreat, and the garrison, numbering five thousand, was cap- 
tured. On the 6th of June, the city of Memphis was taken by 
the fleet of Commodore Davis. 

6. Early in the year. General Curtis pushed forward into Arkan- 
sas and took position at Pea Ridge, among the Mountains. Here 
he was attacked on the 6th of March by twenty thousand Confed- 
erates and Indians, under Generals McCulloch, Mcintosh, and Pike. 
A hard-fought battle ensued, lasting for two days. The Federals 
were victorious; McCulloch and Mcintosh were killed, and their 
men obliged to retreat toward Texas. 

7. After the destruction of the navy yard at Norfolk, the Con- 
federates had raised the frigate Merrimac, one of the sunken ships, 
and plated the sides with iron. The vessel was then sent to attack 
the Union fleet at Fortress Monroe. Reaching that place on the 
8th of March, the Merrimac began the work of destruction ; and two 
valuable vessels, the Cumberland and the Congress, were sent to tlie 
bottom. During the night, however, a strange ship, called the 
Monitor, invented by Captain John Ericsson, arrived from New 
York; and on the following morning, the two iron-clad monsters 
turned their enginery upon each other. After fighting for five 
hours, the Merrimac was obliged to retire badly damaged to Norfolk. 



314 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

8. On the 8th of February, a Federal squadron, commanded by 
General Ambrose E. Burnside and Commodore Goldsborough, at- 
tacked the Confederate fortifications on Roanoke Island. The gar- 
rison, nearly three thousand strong, were taken prisoners. Burn- 
side next proceeded against Newbern, and on the 14th of March, 
captured the city. Proceeding southward, he reached the harbor 
of Beaufort, and on the 25th of April, took possession of the town, 

9. On the 11th of the same month, Fort Pulaski, at the mouth 
of the Savannah, surrendered to General Gillmore. Early in 
Ajiril, a powerful squadron, under General Butler and Admiral 
Farragut, ascended the Mississippi and attacked Forts Jackson and 
St. Philip, thirty miles above the gulf. From the 18th to the 24th, 
the fight continued without cessation. At the end of that time 
Admiral Farragut succeeded in running past the batteries. On the 
next day, he reached New Orleans and captured the city. General 
Butler became commandant, and the fortifications were manned 
with fifteen thousand Federal soldiers. Three days afterwards. Forts 
Jackson and St. Philip surrendered to Admiral Porter. 

10. The Confederates now invaded Kentucky, in two strong di- 
visions, the one led by General Kirby Smith and the other by 
General Bragg. On the 30th of August, Smith's army reached 
Richmond, and routed the Federals stationed there, with heavy 
losses. Lexington was taken, and then Frankfort ; and Cincinnati 
was saved from captu)-e only by the exertions of General Wallace. 
Meanwhile, the army of General Bragg advanced from Chatta- 
nooga, and, on the 17th of September, captured a Federal division 
of four thousand five hundred men at Mumfordsville. The Con- 
federate general pressed on toward Louisville, and would have 
taken the city but for the arrival of General Buell. Buell's army 
was increased to a hundred thousand men. Li October he again 
took the field, and on the 8th of the month, overtook General 
Brair^ at Perrvville. Here a severe but indecisive battle was 
fought; and the Confederates, laden with spoils, continued their 
retreat into East Tennessee. 

11. On tlie 19th of Septeml)er, a hard battle was fought at luka 
between a Federal army, under Generals Rosecraus and tyrant, and 
a Confederate force, under General Price. The latter was defeated, 



CAMPAIGNS OF '62. 315 

losing, in addition to bis killed and wonnded, nearly a thousand 
prisoners. Rosecrans now took post at Corinth with twenty thou- 
sand men ; while Grant, with the remainder of the Federal forces, 
proceeded to Jackson, Tennessee. Generals Van Dorn and Price 
turned about to recapture Corinth. There, on the 3d of October, 
another severe battle ensued, which ended, after two days' fighting, 
in the repulse of the Confederates. 

12. General Grant next moved forward to cooperate with Gen- 
eral Sherman in an efibrt to capture Vicksburg. On the 20th of 
December General Van Dorn cut Grant's line of supplies at Holly 
Springs, and obliged him to retreat. On the same day. General 
Sherman dropped down the river from Memphis to the Yazoo. On 
the 29th of the month, he made an unsuccessful attack on the 
Confederates at Chickasaw Bayou. The assault was exceedingly dis- 
astrous to the Fede]-als, who lost in killed, wounded, and prisoners 
more than three thousand men. 

13. General Rosecrans was now transferred to the corpmand of 
the Army of the Cumberland, with headquarters at Nashville. 
General Bragg, on his retirement from Kentucky, had thrown his 
forces into Murfreesborough. Rosecrans moved forward, and on 
the 30th of December, came upon the Confederates on Stone's 
River, a short distance north-west of Murfreesborough. On the 
following morning a furious battle ensued, continuing until night- 
fall. The Union army was brought to the verge of ruin. But 
during the night Rosecrans rallied his forces, and at daybreak was 
ready to renew the conflict. On that day there was a lull. On 
the morning of the 2d of January, Bragg's army again rushed to 
the onset, gained some successes at first, was then checked, and 
finally driven back with heavy losses. Bragg withdrew his shat- 
tered columns, and filed off toward Chattanooga. 

14. In Virginia the first scenes of the year were enacted in the 
Shenandoah Valley. General Banks was sent forward with a 
strong division, and in the last of March, occupied the town of 
Harrisonburg. To counteract this movement, Stonewall Jackson 
was sent with twenty thousand men to pass the Blue Ridge and cut 
off" Banks's retreat. At Front Royal, the Confederates fell upon the 
Federals, routed them, and captured their guns and stores. Banks 



816 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



succeeded, however, in passing with his main division to Strasburg 
and escaping out of the valley. 

15. Jackson now found himself in great peril. For General 
Fremont had been sent into the valley to intercept the Confeder- 
ate retreat. But Jackson succeeded in reaching Cross Keys before 
Fremont could attack him. The battle was so little decisive that 

Jackson pressed on to Port 
Republic, where he attacked 
and defeated the division of 
General Shields. 

16. On the 10th of March, 
the Army of the Potomac, 
set out from the camps about 
Washington to capture the 
Confederate capital. The 
advance proceeded as far as 
Manassas Junction, where 
McClellan, changing his plan, 
embarked a hundred and 
twenty thousand of his men 
for Fortress Monroe. From 
that place, on the 4th of 
April, the Union army ad- 
vanced to York town. This 
place w^as defended by ten 
thousand Confederates, under 
General Magruder ; and here 
McClellan's advance was de- 
layed for a month. On the 4th of May, York town was taken and 
the Federal army pressed on to West Point, at the junction of the 
Mattapony and Pamunkey. McClellan reached the Chickahominy 
without serious resistance, and crossed at Bottom's Bridge. 

17. On the 10th of May, General Wool, the commandant of 
Fortress Monroe, led an expedition against Norfolk and captured 
the town. On the next day, the iron-clad Virginia was blown up to 
save her from capture. The James River was thus opened for the 
supply-transports of the Army of the Potomac. On the olst of 




SCENE OF CAMPAIGN IN VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, AND 
PENNSYLVANIA, 1S62. 



CAMPAIGNS OF '62. 



sr 



May, that army was attacked by the Confeckrates at a place called 
Fair Oaks, or Seven Pines. Here for a part of two days the bat- 
tle raged with great fury. At last the Confederates were driven 
back; but McClellan's victory was by no means decisive. Gen- 
eral Joseph E. Johnston, the commander-in-chief of the Confeder- 
ates, was severely 
wounded; and the 
command devolved 
on General Robert 
E. Lee. 

18. McClellan 
now formed the de- 
sign of retiring to a 
point on the James 
b e 1 w Richmond. 
Before the move- 
ment fairly began. 
General Lee, on 
the* 25th of June, 
struck the right 
wing of the Union 
army at Oak Grove, 
and a hard-fought 
battle ensued. On 
the next day, 
another engage- 
m e n t occurred at 
Mechanicsville, and 




IBEKT E. LEE. 



the Federals won the field. On the following' 
morning, Lee renewed the struggle at Gaines's Mill, and came 
out victorious. On the 29th, McClellan's army was attacked at 
Savage's Station and again in the White Oak Swamp — but the 
Confederates were kept at bay. On the 30th w^as fought the des- 
perate battle of Glendale, or Frazier's Farm. On that night the 
Federal army reached Malvern Hill, twelve miles below Richmond. 
General Lee determined to carry the place by storm. On the 
morning of the 1st of July, the whole Confederate army rushed 
forward to the assault. All day long the struggle for the pos- 



.318 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



session of the high grounds continued. Not until nine o'clock 
at night did Lee's columns fall back exhausted. For seven days 
the roar of battle had been heard almost without cessation. 

19. On the 2d of July, McClellan retired with his army to Har- 
rison's Landing, a few miles down the river; and the great cam- 
paign was at an end. The 
Federal army had lost more 
than fifteen thousand men, and 
the losses of the Confederates 
had been still greater. 

20. General Lee now 
formed the design of captur- 
ing the Federal capital. The 
Union troojis between Eich- 
mond and Washington were 
under command of General 
Jolin Pope. Lee moved north- 
ward, and on the 20th of Au- 
gust Pope retreated l^eyond 

^ the Rappahannock. Mean- 

viciNiTY OF RiniMOND, 1802. wlulc, Gcucral Banks was at- 

tacked by Stonewall Jackson at Cedar Mountain, where nothing 
but hard fighting saved the Federals from a rout. 

2L Jackson next shot by with his division on a flank movement 
to Manassas Junction, where he made large captures. Pope then 
threw his army between the two divisions of the Confederates. On 
August 28th and 29th, there was terrible fighting on the old Bull 
Run battle-ground. At one time it seemed that Lee's army would 
be defeated ; but Pope's reinforcements were withheld by General 
Porter, and on the 31st, the Confederates struck the Union army 
at Chantilly, winning a complete victory. Generals Stevens and 
Kearney wei'e among the brave men who fell in this battle. Pope 
withdrew his broken columns as rapidly as possible, and found 
safety w^ithin the defences of Washington. 

22. General Lee crossed the Potomac at Point of Rocks, and 
on the 6th of September captured Frederick. On the 10th, Ha- 
gerstown was taken, and on the 15th, Stonewall Jackson seized 




CAMPAIGNS OF '62. 319 

Harper's Ferry, with nearly twelve thousand prisoners. On the 
previous day, there was a hard-fought engagement at South 
Mountain, in which the Federals were victorious. McClellan's 
army was now in the rear of Lee, who fell back to Antietam Creek 
and took a strong position near Sharpsburg. Then followed two 
days of skirmishing, which terminated on the 17th in one of the 
great battles of the war. From morning till night the struggle 
continued with unabated violence, and ended, after a loss of more 
than ten thousand men on each side, in a drawn battle. Lee with- 
drew his forces from the field and recrossed the Potomac. 

23. General McClellan moved forward to Rectortown, Virginia. 
Here he was superseded by General Burnside, who changed the 
plan of the campaign, and advanced against Fredericksburg. At 
this place the two armies were again brought face to face. Burn- 
side's movement was delayed, and it was not until the 12th of De- 
cember that a passage could be effected. Meanwhile, the heights 
south of the river had been fortified, and the Union columns were 
hurled back in several desperate assaults which cost the assailants 
more than twelve thousand men. Thus in disaster to the Federal 
cause ended the campaigns of 1862. 



ItEC-A.:PIT-U-X.^TI01sr. 

Extent and position of the Union forces.— The Confederates defeated on the 
Big Sandy and at Mill Spring.— Fort Henry is taken.— Siege of Fort Donelson.— 
Battle of Shiloh.— Island Number Ten is taken.— The battle of Pea Ridge.— Fight 
of the Monitor and the M err imac— Burnside captures Roanoke Island, Newbern, 
and Beaufort.— Farragut and Butler ascend the Mississippi.— Capture of New 
Orleans.— Fall of Forts Jackson and St. Philip.-Kirl>y Smith invades Ken^ 
tucky.— Battle of Richmond.— Bragg marches on Louisville.— The city held by 
Buell.— Battle of Perry ville.— Battles of luka and Corinth.-Grant moves against 
V^ioksburg.— Battle of Chickasaw Bayou.— Battle of Murfreesborough.— Banks 
and Jackson on the Shenandoah.— Fight at Front Royal.— Battles of Cross Ke^s 
and Port Republic —McClellan advances.— Yorktown is taken.— Wool captures 
Norfolk,— The Virginia destroyed.-Battle of Fair Oaks.— Lee made general-in- 
chief of the Confederates.— McClellan changes base.— The seven days' battles.— 
The Union army at Harrison's Landing.— Lee strikes for Washington.— Is op- 
posed by Pope.— Flank movement of Jackson.— Battles of Manassas and Chan- 

llly.— Lee invades Maryland.— Harper's Fen-y is taken.— Engagement at South 
Mountain.— Battle of Antietam.— Burnside in command.— Is defeated at Fred- 
ericksburg. 



320 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 



CHAPTER LXIII. 
THE WORK OF '63. 

THE war had now grown to enormous proportions. The Con- 
federate States were draining every resource of men and means. 
The superior energies of the North were greatly taxed. On the 
day after the battle of Malvern Hill, President Lincoln issued a 
call for three hundred thousand troops. During Pope's retreat 
from the Rappahannock, he sent forth anotner call for three hun- 
dred thousand, and to that was added a draft of three hundred 
thousand more. Most of these demands were promptly met, and 
it became evident that in resources the Federal government was 
vastly superior to the Confederacy. 

2. On the 1st day of January, 1863, the President issued the 
Emancipation Proclamation. The war had been begun with no 
well-defined intention to free the slaves of the South. But during 
the progress of the war the sentiment of abolition had grown with 
great rapidity ; and when at last it became a military necessity to 
strike a blow at the labor-system of the South, the step was taken 
with but little opposition. Thus, after an existence of two hun- 
dred and forty-four years, African slavery in the United States wa.s 
swept away. 

3. Early in January, General Sherman despatched an expedition 
to capture Arkansas Post, on the Arkansas River. The Union 
forces reached their destination on the 10th of the month, fought a 
battle with the Confederates and gained a victory. On the next 
day, the post was surrendered with nearly five thousand prisoners. 

4. Soon afterward, the Union forces were concentrated for the 
capture of Vicksburg. Three months were spent by General Grant 
in beating about the bayous around Vicksburg, in the hope of 
getting a position in the rear of the town. A canal was cut across 



THE WORK OF 'GS. 



321 



a bend in the river with a view to opening a passage for the gun- 
boats. But a flood washed the works away. Then another canal 
was begun, only to be abandoned. Finally, it was determined to 
run the fleet past the Vicksburg batteries. On the night of the 
16th of April, the boats dropped down the river. All of a sud- 
den the guns burst forth witli shot and shell, pelting the passing 
steamers ; but they went ])y 
with little damage. 

5. General Grant now 
marched his land-forces down 
the Mississippi and formed a 
junction with the squadron. 
On the 1st day of May he de- 
feated the Confederates at 
Port Gibson. The evacua- 
tion of Grand Gulf followed 
immediately. The Union 
army now swept around to 
the rear of Vicksburg. On the 
12th of May, a Confederate 




VICKSBURG AND VICINITY, 1863. 



force was defeated at Kaymond. On the 14th of the month, a 
decisive battle was fought near Jackson; the Confederates were 
beaten, and the city captured. General Pemberton, sallying forth 
wath his forces from Vicksburg, was defeated by Grant on the 16tli 
at Champion Hills, and again on the 17th at Black River Bridge. 
Pemberton then retired within the defences of Vicksburg. 

6. The city was now besieged. On the 19th of May, Grant 
made an assault but was repulsed with terrible losses. Three days 
afterward, the attempt was renewed with a still greater destruction 
of life. But the siege was pressed with ever-increasing severity. 
Admiral Porter bombarded the town incessantly. Reinforcements 
swelled the Union ranks. Pemberton held out until the 4th of 
July, and was then driven to surrender. The defenders of Vicks- 
burg, numbering thirty thousand, became prisoners of war. Thou- 
sands of small arms, hundreds of cannon, and vast quantities of 
ammunition and stores were the fruits of the great victory. 

7. Meanwhile, General Banks had been conducting a campaign 



322 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

on the Lower Mississippi. From Baton Rouge he advanced into 
Louisiana, reached Brashear City, and gained a victory over the 
Confederates at Bayou Teche. He then moved northward and be- 
sieged Port Hudson, the last fort held by the Confederates on the 
Mississippi. The garrison made a brave defence ; and it was not 
until the 8th of July, that the commandant, with his force of six 
tliousand men, was obliged to capitulate. 

8. Just before the investment of Vicksburg, occurred the great 
raid of Colonel Benjamin Grierson. With the Sixth Illinois Cav- 
alry, he struck out from La Grange, Tennessee, traversed Missis- 
sippi to the east of Jackson, cut the railroads, destroyed property, 
and after a rapid course of more than eight hundred miles, gained 
the river at Baton Rouge. 

9. Late in the spring Colonel Streight's command went on a raid 
into Georgia, but was surrounded and captured by General Forrest. 
In the latter part of June, Rosecrans succeeded in crowding Gen- 
eral Bragg out of Tennessee. The Union general followed and 
took post at Chattanooga, on the left bank of the Tennessee. Dur- 
ing the summer, Bragg was reinforced by the corps of Johnston 
and Longstreet. On the 19th of September, he turned upon the 
Federals at Chickamauga Creek, in the north-west angle of Georgia. 
A hard battle was fought, but night*came with the victory unde- 
cided. On the following morning the fight was renewed. After 
the conflict had continued for some hours, the national battle-line 
was opened by a mistake of General Wood. Bragg thrust forward 
a heavy column into the gaj^, cut the Union army in two, and 
drove the right wing into a rout. General Thomas, with desperate 
firmness, held the left until nightfall, and then withdrew into 
Chattanooga. The Union loss amounted to nearly nineteen thou- 
sand, and that of the Confederates was even greater. 

10. General Bragg pressed forward to besiege Chattanooga. 
But General Hooker arrived with two corps from the Army of the 
Potomac, opened the Tennessee River, and brought relief. At the 
same time General Grant assumed the direction of affairs at Chat- 
tanooga. General Sherman arrived with his division, and offensive 
operations were at once renewed. On the 24th of November, 
Lookout Mountain, overlooking the town and river, was stormed 



THE WORK OF '63. 323 

by the division of General Hooker. On the following day, Mis- 
sionary Ridge was also carried, and Bragg's army fell back in full 
retreat toward Ringgold. 

11. On the 1st of September, General Burnside arrived with his 
command at Knoxville. After the battle of Chickamauga, General 
Longstreet was sent into East Tennessee, where he arrived and 
began the siege of Knoxville. On the 29th of November, the 
Confederates attempted to carry the town by storm, but were re- 
pulsed with heavy losses. General Sherman soon marched to the 
relief of Burnside ; and Longstreet retreated into Virginia. 

12. Early in 1863, the Confederates resumed activity in Arkansas 
and Southern Missouri. On the 8th of January, they attacked 
Springfield, but were repulsed. Three days afterward, at Harts- 
ville, a battle was fought with a similar result. On the 26th of 
April, General Marmaduke attacked the post at Cape Girardeau, 
but the garrison drove the Confederates away. On the 4th of July 
General Holmes made an attack on the Federals at Helena, Ar- 
kansas, but was repulsed. On the 13th of August, Lawrence, 
Kansas, was sacked, and a hundred and forty persons killed by a 
band of desperate fellows led by a chieftain called Quantrell. On 
the 10th of September, the Federal general Steele captured Little 
Rock, Arkansas. 

13. In the summer of this year General John Morgan made a 
great raid through Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. He crossed the 
Ohio at Brandenburg, and began his march to the north. At 
Corydon and other points he was resisted by the home-guards and 
pursued by General Hobson. Morgan crossed into Ohio, made a 
circuit north of Cincinnati, and attempted to re-cross the river. 
But the raiders were driven back. The Confederate leader pressed 
on, until he came near New Lisbon, where he was captured by the 
brigade of General Shackelford. After a four months' imprison- 
ment, Morgan escaped and made his way to Richmond. 

14. On the 1st of January, General Magruder captured Gal- 
veston, Texas. By this means the Confederates secured a port of 
entry in the Southwest. On the 7th of April, Admiral Dupont, 
with a fleet of iron-clads, attempted to capture Charleston, but was 
driven back. In June the city was besieged by a strong land-force, 

21 



S24 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



under General Q. A. Gillmore, assisted by Admiral Dahlgren's 
fleet. After the bombardment had continued for some time, Gen- 
eral Gillmore, on the 18th of July, attempted to carry Fort Wag- 
ner by assault, but was repulsed with severe loss. The siege pro- 
gressed until the 6th of September, when the Confederates evacuated 
the fort and retired to Charleston. Gillmore now brought his 

guns to bear on the 
wharves and ])uild- 
ings in the lower 
part of the city. 
But Charleston still 
held out; and the 
only gaui of the 
Federals was the 
establishment of a 
comj^lete blockade. 
15. After his re- 
pulse at Fredericks- 
burg, General Burn- 
side was superseded 
by General Joseph 
Hooker, who, in the 
latter part of April, 
crossed the Kappa- 
h a n n o c k and 
reached Chan eel - 
lorsville. Here, on 
the morning of the 
2d of May, he was attacked by the Army of Northern Virginia, led 
by Lee and Jackson. The latter general, at the head of twenty- 
five thousand men, outflanked the Union army, burst upon the 
right wing, and swept everything to destruction. But it was the 
last of Stonewall's battles. As night came on, the Confederate 
leader received a volley from his own lines, and fell to rise no more. 
16. On the 3d, the battle was renewed. General Sedgwick was 
defeated and driven across the Bappahannock. The main army 
was crowded between Chancellorsville and the river, where it re- 




STONEWALL JACKSON. 



THE WORK OF '63. 325 

mained until the 5th, wlien General Hooker succeeded in with- 
drawing his forces to the northern bank. The Union losses 
amounted in killed, wounded, and prisoners to about seventeen 
thousand; that of the Confederates was less by five thousand. 

17. Next followed the cavalry raid of General Stoneman. On 
the 29th of April, he crossed the Rappahannock with ten thousand 
men, tore \\\) the Virginia Central Railroad, cut General Lee's 
communications, swept around within a few miles of Richmond, 
and then recrossed the Rappahannock in safety. 

18. General Lee now determined to carry the war into the 
North. In the first week of June he crossed the Potomac, and cap- 
tured Hagerstown. On the 22d he entered Chambersburg, and then 
pressed on through Carlisle to within a few miles of Harrisburg. 
The militia of Pennsylvania was called out, and volunteers came 
pouring in from other States. General Hooker pushed forward to 
strike his antagonist. General Lee rapidly concentrated his forces 
near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On the eve of battle the command 
of the Union army was transferred to General George G. Meade, 
who took up a position on the hills around Gettysburg. Here the 
two armies, each numbering about eighty thousand men, were 
brought face to face. 

19. On the 1st of July, the struggle began, and for three days 
the conflict raged. The battle reached its climax on the 3d, when 
a Confederate column, three miles long, headed by the Virginians 
under General Pickett, made a final charge on the Union centre. 
But the onset was in vain, and the men who made it were mowed 
down with terrible slaughter. The victory remained with the 
national army, and Lee was obliged to turn back to the Potomac, 
The entire Confederate loss was nearly thirty thousand ; that of the 
Federals twenty-three thousand a hundred and eighty-six. Gen- 
eral Lee withdrew his forces into Virginia, and the Union army 
resumed its position on the Potomac. 

20. The administration of President Lincoln was beset with 
many difficulties. The last calls for volunteers had not been fully 
met. The anti-war party of the North denounced the measures 
of the government. On the 3d of March, the Conscription Act 
was passed by Congress, and the President ordered a draft of three 



326 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

hundred thousand men. The measure was bitterly opposed, and 
in many places the draft-officers were resisted. On the 13th of || 

July, in the city of New York, a mob rose in arms, demolished 
buildings, burned the colored orphan asylum, and killed about a 
hundred people. For three days the authorities were set at de- 
fiance; but a force of regulars and volunteers gathered at the 
scene, and the riot was suppressed. 

21. Only about fifty thousand men were obtained by the draft. 
But volunteering was quickened by the measure, and the employ- 
ment of substitutes soon filled the ranks. In October the Presi- 
dent issued another call for three hundred thousand men. By 
these measures the columns of the Union army were made more 
powerful than ever. In the armies of the South, on the other 
hand, there were already symptoms of exhaustion. On the 20th 
of June in this year. West Virginia was separated from the Old 
Dominion and admitted as the thirty- fifth State of the Union. 



Proportions of the conflict.— New calls for troops.— The Emancipation Procla- 
mation.— Capture of Arkansas Post.— Movements against Vicksburg.— The fleet 
passes the batteries.— Battles of Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, and Champion 
Hills.— The siege and capture of Vicksburg.— Fall of Port Hudson.— Cavalry raid 
of Grierson.— Rosecrans drives Bragg across the Tennessee,— Battle of Chicka- 
mauga.— Siege of Chattanooga.— Storming of Lookout and Missionary Ridge.— 
Longstreet in Tennessee.— Siege of Knoxville.— Engagements at Springfield, Cape 
Girardeau, and Helena.— The sacking of Lawrence.- Capture of Little Rock.— 
Morgan invades Indiana.— Is hemmed in and captured.— The Confederates take 
Galveston.— The siege of Charleston.— Hooker commands the Army of the Poto- 
mac—Battle of Chancellorsville.— Death of Stonewall Jackson.— Stoneman's 
raid.— Lee invades Pennsylvania,— The battle of Gettysburg.— Retreat of the 
Confederates.— The conscription.— Riot in New York.- The draft.— New calls for 
soldiers.— West Virginia a State. 



THE CLOSING CONFLICTS. 327 



CHAPTER LXIV. 

THE CLOSING CONFLICTS. 

EARLY in February, 1864, General Sherman moved from Vicks- 
burg to Meridian. In this vicinity the raih'oad tracks were 
torn u]) for a hundred and fifty miles. At Meridian General Sher- 
man expected a force of Federal cavalry which had been sent out 
from Memjohis, under General Smith. The latter advanced into 
Mississippi, but was met by the cavalry of Forrest, and driven back 
to Memphis. General Sherman thereupon retraced his course to 
Vicksburg. Forrest continued his raid northward to Paducah, 
Kentucky, and made an assault on Fort Anderson, but was re- 
pulsed with a severe loss. Turning back into Tennessee, he came 
upon Fort Pillow, on the Mississippi, and carried the place by storm. 

2, In the spring of 1864, the Red River Expedition was un- 
dertaken by General Banks. The object was to capture Shreve- 
port, the seat of the Confederate government of Louisiana. On 
the 14th of March, the Federal advance captured Fort de Russy, 
on Red River. The Confederates retreated to Alexandria, and on 
the 16th, that city was taken by the Federals. Three days after- 
ward, Natchitoches was captured. The fleet now proceeded up 
stream toward Shreveport, and the land-forces whirled off to the left. 

3. At Mansfield, on the 8th of April, the advancing Federals 
were attacked by the Confederates, and completely routed. At 
Pleasant Hill, on the next day, the main body of the Union army 
was badly defeated. The flotilla now descended the river from the 
direction of Shreveport. The whole expedition returned as rapidly 
as possible to the Mississippi. General Steele had, in the mean- 
time, advanced from Little Rock to aid in the reduction of Shreve- 
port ; but learning of the Federal defeats, he withdrew after several 



328 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



4. On the 2cl of March, 1864, General Grant was appointed 
commander-in-chief of all the armies of the United States. Seven 
hundred thousand soldiers were now to move at his command. Two 
great camj^aigns were planned for the year. The Army of the Po- 
tomac, under Meade and the general-in-chief, was to advance upon 

Richmond. Gen^ 



eral Sherman, 
with a hundred 
thousand men, 
was to march 
from Chattanoo- 
a against At- 
lanta. 

5. On the 7th 
of May, General 
Sherman moved 
forward. At Dal- 
ton he succeeded 



turning Gen- 




shckman's campaign, ISGl. ni 

eral Johnston's flank, and obliged him to fixll back to Resaca. 
After two hard battles, on the 14th and 15tli of May, this place 
Avas carried, and the Confederates retreated to Dallas. Here, on 
the 28th, Johnston made a second stand, but was again outflanked, 
and compelled to fall back to Lost Mountain. From this position 
he was forced on the 17th of June. The next stand was made on 
Great and Little Kenesaw Mountains. From this line on the 22d 
of June the division of General Hood made a fierce attack, but 
was repulsed with heavy losses. Five days afterward. General 
Sherman attempted to carry Great Kenesaw by storm; but the 
assault ended in a dreadful repulse. Sherman resumed his former 
tactics, and on the 3d of July, compelled his antagonist to retreat 
across the Cliattahoochee. By the 10th of the month, the Avhole 
Confederate army had retired to Atlanta. 

6. This stronghold was at once besieged. Here were the 
machine-shops, foundries, and car-works of the Confederacy. At 
the beginning of the siege, the cautious General Johnston was 
superseded by the rash General J. B. Hood. On the 20th, 22d, 



THE CLOSING CONFLICTS. 



329 



and 28tli of July, the latter made tliree assaults on the Union lines, 
but was repulsed with dreadful losses. It was in the second of 
these battles that the brave General James B. McPherson was 
killed. For more than a inonth the siege was pressed with great 
vigor. At last Hood Avas obliged to evacuate Atlanta; and on the 
2d of Sejjtember, 
the Union army 
marched into the 
captured city. 

7, General Hood 
n o ^v m arched 
northward toward 
Tennessee, swept 
up through North- 
e r n Alabama, 
crossed the river 
a t Florence, and 
advanced on Nash- 
ville. Meanwhile, 
General Thomas, 
with the Army of 
the Cumberland, 
had been detached 
from Sherman's 
army and sent 
northward to con- 
front flood. Gen- 
eral Schofield, who commanded the Federal forces in Tennessee, 
fell back before the Confederates and took post at Frankjin. 
Here, on the 30th of November, he was attacked by Hood's 
legions, and held them in check till nightfall, when he retreated 
within the defences of Nashville. At this place all of General 
Thomas's forces were concentrated. Hood came on, confident of 
victory, and prepared to begin the siege; but before the work was 
fairly begun, General Thomas, on the 15th of December, fell upon 
the Confederate army, and routed it with a loss of more than 
twenty-five thousand men. For many days of freezing weather 




GENERAL THOMAS. 



330 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Hood's columns were pursued, until at last tliey found refuge in 
Alabama. 

8. On the 14tli of November, General Sherman burned Atlanta 
and began his March to the Sea. His army numbered sixty 
thousand men. He cut his communications with the North, aban- 
doned his base of 
supplies, and struck 
out for the sea-coast, 
two hundred and 
fifty miles away. 
The Union army 
passed through Ma- 
con and Milledge- 
ville, crossed the 
Ogeechee, captured 
Gibson and Waynes- 
borough, and on the 
10th of December, 
arriveiLl in the vi- 
cinity of Savannah. 
On the 13th, Fort 
McAllister was car- 
ried by storm. On 
the night of the 
20th, General Har- 
dee, the Confeder- 
ate commandant, 
escaped from Sa- 
vannah and retreated to Charleston. On the 22d, General Sher- 
man made his headquarters in the city. 

9. January, 1865, was spent by the Union army at Savannah. 
On the 1st of February, General Sherman began his march against 
Columbia, South Carolina. The Confederates had not sufficient 
force to stay his progress. On the 17th of the month, Columbia 
was surrendered. On the same night, Hardee, having destroyed 
the public property of Charleston and kindled fires which laid four 
squares in ashes, evacuated the city ; and on the following morning 




GENERAL SHERMAN. 



THE CLOSING CONFLICTS. 



331 



the national forces entered. From Columbia General Sherman 
marched into North Carolina, and on the 11th of March, captured 
the town of Fayetteville. 

10. General Johnston was now recalled to the command of the 
Confederate forces, and the advance of the Union army began to 
be seriously op- 
posed. At Averas- 
i)o rough, on Cape 
Fear River, Gen- 
eral Hardee made 
a stand, but was 
repulsed. When, 
on the 19 th of 
March, General 
Sherman was ap- 
proaching Bentons 
ville, he was at- 
tacked by Joh n ston , 
and for a while the 
Union army was in 
danger of defeat. 
But the day was 
saved by hard fight- 
ing, and on the 21st, 
Sherman entered 
Goldsborough. 
Here he was rein- 
forced by Generals 
Schofield and Terry. The Federal army turned to the north-west, 
and on the loth of April, entered Raleigh. This was the end of 
tlie great march; and here, on the 26th of the month. General 
Sherman received the surrender of Johnston's army. 

11. Meanwhile, important events had occurred on the Gulf. 
Early in August, 1864, Admiral Farragut bore down on the de- 
fences pf Mobile. The harbor was defended by a Confederate fleet 
and the monster iron-clad Tennessee. On the 5th of August, Far- 
ragut ran past Forts Morgan and Gaines into the harbor. In 




ADMIRAL FARRAGUT. 



332 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

order to direct the movements of his vessels, the old admiral 
mounted to the maintop of the Hartjord, lashed himself to the 
rigging, and from that high perch gave his commands during the 
battle. One of the Union ships struck a torpedo and sank. The 
rest attacked and dispersed the Confederate squadron; but just as 
the bay seemed won, the Tennessee came down at full speed to 
strike the Hartford. Then followed one of the fiercest conflicts of 
the war. The Union iron-clads closed around their antagonist and 
battered her Avith fifteen-inch bolts of iron until she surrendered. 

12. Next came the capture of Fort Fisher, at the entrance to 
Cape Fear River. In December, Admiral Porter was sent with a 
powerful American squadron to besiege and take the fort. General 
Butler, with six thousand five hundred men, accompanied the ex- 
2)edition. On the 24th of the month, the troops were sent ashore 
with orders to storm the works. When General Weitzel, who led, 
came near enough to reconnoitre, he decided that an assault could 
only end in disaster. General Butler held the same opinion, and 
the enterprise was abandoned. Admiral Porter remained before 
Fort Fisher with his fleet, and General Butler returned to Fortress 
Monroe. Early in January, the siege was renewed, and on the 
15th of the month, Fort Fisher was taken by storm. 

13. In the previous October, Lieutenant Gushing, with a number 
of volunteers, embarked in a small steamer, and entered the 
Roanoke. A tremendous iron ram, called the Albemarle, was discov- 
ered lying at the harbor of Plymouth. Cautiously approaching, 
the lieutenant sank a torpedo under the Confederate ship, exploded 
it, and left the ram a ruin. The adventure cost the lives or cap- 
ture of all of Cushing's party except himself and one other, who 
made good their escape. 

14. During the progress of the war, the commerce of the United 
States was greatly injured by the Confederate cruisers. The first 
ship sent out was the Savannah, which was captured on the same 
day that she escaped from Charleston. In June of 1861, the 
Sumter, commanded by Captain Semmes, ran the blockade at New 
Orleans, and did fearful work with the Union merchantmen. But 
in February of 1862, Semmes was chased into the harboi- of 
Gibraltar, where he was obliged to sell his vessel. The Nashville 



THE CLOSING CONFLICTS. 333 

ran out from Charleston, and returned with a cargo worth three 
millions of dollars. In March of 1863, she was sunk by a Union 
iron-clad in the Savannah River. 

15. The ports of the Southern States were now closely block- 
aded. In this emergency the Confederates turned to the ship-yards 
of Great Britain, and began to build cruisers. In the harbor of 
Liverpool the Florida was fitted out; and going to sea in the 
summer of 1862, she succeeded in running into Mobile Bay. She 
afterward destroyed fifteen merchantmen, and was then captured 
and sunk in Hampton Roads. The Georgia, the Olustee, the She- 
naiuhali and the ChickamaKga, all built at the ship-yards of Glas- 
gow, Scotland, escaped to sea and made great havoc with the 
merchant-ships of the United States. 

16. Most destructive of all was the Alabama, built at Liverpool. 
Her commander was Captain Raphael Semmes. A majority of 
the crew Avere British subjects; and her armament was entirely 
British. In her whole career, involving the destruction of sixty- 
six vessels and a loss of ten million dollars, she never entered a 
Confederate port. In the summer of 1864, Semmes was overtaken 
in the harbor of Cherbourg, France, by Captain Winslow, com- 
mander of the steamer Keanavge. On the 19th of June, Semmes 
went out to give his antagonist battle. After a desperate fight of 
an hour's duration, the Alabama Avas sunk. Semmes was picked 
up by the English Deerhowid and carried to Southampton. 

17. On the night of the 3d of May, 1864, the national camp at 
Culpepper was broken up, and the march on Richmond was begun. 
On the first day of the advance, Grant crossed the Rapidan and 
entered the Wilderness, a country of oak woods and thickets. He 
was immediately attacked by the Confederate army. During the 
5th, 6th and 7th of the month, the fighting continued incessantly 
with terrible losses ; but the results were indecisive. Grant next 
made a flank movement in the direction of Spottsylvania Court- 
house. Here followed, from the 9th till the 12th, one of the 
bloodiest struggles of the war. The Federals gained some ground 
and captured the division of General Stewart ; but the losses of 
Lee were less than those of his antagonist. 

18. Grant again moved to the left, crossed the Pamunkey, and 



334 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



X S Y L 

Chambersburgo 



came to Cold Harbor, twelve miles north-east of Eichmond. 
Here, on the 1st of June, he attacked the Confederates, but was 
repulsed with heavy losses. On the morning of the 3d, the assault 
was renewed, and in half an hour nearly ten thousand Union sol- 
diers fell dead or wounded before the Confederate entrenchments. 

The repulse of the Fed- 
erals was complete, but 
they held their lines as 
firmly as ever. 

19. General Grant 
now changed his base to 
James Eiver. General 
Butler had already taken 
City Point and Bermuda 
Hundred. Here, on the 
15th of June, he was 
joined by General Grant's 
whole army, and the 
combined forces moved 
forward and began the 
siege of Petersburg. 

20. Meanvi^hile, im- 
portant movements were 
taking place on the 
Shenandoah. When 
Grant moved from the 
Rapidan, General Sigel 

OPERATIONS IN VIRGINIA, '64 AND '65. marchcd up thc valley 

to New Market, where he was met and defeated by the Confeder- 
ate cavalry, under General Breckinridge. The latter then re- 
turned to Richmond, whereupon the Federals faced about, over- 
took the Confederates at Piedmont, and gained a signal victory. 
From this place Generals Hunter and Averill advanced against 
Lynchburg. By this movement the valley of the Shenandoah was 
again exposed to invasion. 

21. Lee immediately despatched General Early to cross the Blue 
Ridge, invade Maryland and threaten Washington city. With 




THE CLOSING CONFLICTS. 335 

twenty thousand men Early began his march, and on the 5th of 
July crossed the Potomac. On the 9th, he defeated the division of 
General Wallace on the Monocacy. But the battle saved Wash- 
ington and Baltimore from capture. 

22. General Wright followed Early as far as Winchester. But 
the latter wheeled upon him, and the Union troops were driven 
across the Potomac. Early next invaded Pennsylvania and burned 
C'hambersburg. General Grant now appointed General Philip PI, 
Bheridan to command the army on the Upper Potomac. The 
troops placed at his disposal numbered nearly forty thousand. On 
the 19th of September, Sheridan marched upon Early at Win- 
chester, and routed him in a hard-fought battle. On the 22d of 
September, he gained another complete victory at Fisher's Hill. 

23. Sheridan next turned about to ravage the valley. The ruin- 
ous work was fearfully well done. Nothing worth fighting for was 
left between the Blue Kidge and the Alleghanies. Maddened by 
his defeats, Early rallied his forces, and again entered the valley. 
Sheridan had posted his army on Cedar Creek, and feeling secure, 
had gone to Washington. On the 19th of October, Early surprised 
the Union camp, captured the artillery, and sent the routed troops 
flying in confusion toward Winchester. The Confederates pursued 
as far as Middletown, and there paused to eat and rest. On the 
previous night, Sheridan had returned to Winchester, and was now 
coming to rejoin his army. He rode twelve miles at full speed, 
rallied the fugitives, and gained one of the most signal victories of 
the war. Early's army was completely ruined. 

24. All fall and winter. General Grant pressed the siege of 
Petersburg. On the 30th of July, a mine was exploded under one 
of the forts ; but the assaulting column was repulsed with heavy 
losses. On the 18th of August, a division of the Union army seized 
the Weldon Railroad and held it against several assaults. On the 
28th of September, Battery Harrison was stormed by the Federals, 
and on the next day. General Paine's brigade carried the redoubt on 
Spring Hill. On the 27th of October, there was a ])attle on the 
Boydton road ; and then the army went into winter-quarters. 

25. On the 27th of February, Sheridan gained a victory over 
Early at Waynesborough, and then joined the commander-in-chief 



336 HISTOBY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

On the 1st of April, a severe battle was fought at Five Forks, in 
which the Confederates were defeated with a loss of six thousand 
prisoners. On the next day, Grant ordered a general assault on the 
lines of Petersburg, and the works were carried. On that night, 
Lee's army and the Confederate government fled from Richmond ; 
and on the following morning the city was entered by the Federal 
troops. The warehouses were fired by the retreating Confederates, 
and the better part of the city was reduced to ruins. 

26. General Lee retreated as rapidly as possiljle to the south- 
west. Once, at Deatonsville, the Confederates turned and fouglit, 
but were defeated with great losses. For five days the pursuit 
was kept up; and then Lee was brought to bay at Appomattox 
Court-house. Tliere, on the 9th of April, 1865, the work Avas done. 
General Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia, and the 
Confederacy was hopelessly overthrown. General Grant signalized 
the end of the strife by granting to his antagonist the most liberal 
terms. How the army of General Johnston was surrendered a few 
days later has already been narrated. After four dreadful years of 
bloodshed and sorrow, the civil war was at an end. 

27. The Federal authority was rapidly extended over the South. 
Mr. Davis and his cabinet escaped to Danville, and there for a 
few days kept up the forms of government. From that place they 
fled into North Carolina. The ex-President continued his flight 
into Georgia, and encamped near L'winsville, where, on the 10th 
of May, he was captured by General Wilson's cavalry. He w\as 
conveyed to Fortress Monroe, and kept in confinement until May of 
1867, when he was taken to Richmond to be tried for treason. He 
was admitted to bail ; and liis cause was finally dismissed. 

28. At the })residential election of 1864, Mr. Lincoln was chosen 
for a second term. As Vice-President, Andrew Johnson of Ten- 
nessee was elected. In the preceding summer, the people of Ne- 
vada framed a constitution, and on the 31st of October the new 
commonwealth was proclaimed as the thirty-sixth State. The gold 
and silver mines of Nevada soon surpassed those of California in 
their yield of precious metals. 

29. At the outbreak of the civil war the financial credit of the 
United States sank to a very low ebb. Mr. Chase, the secretary 



THE CLOSING CONFLICTS. 337 

of the treasury, first sought relief by issuing Treasury Notes, 
receivable as money. By the beginning of 1862, the expenses 
of the government liad risen to more than a million of dollars 
daily. To meet these tremendous demands on the government, 
Congress next provided an Internal Revenue. This was made 
up from two general sources : first, a tax on mamifadures, incomes 
and salaries; second, a stamp-duty on all legal documents. The 
next measure was the issuance of Legal Tender Notes of the 
United States, to be used as money. These are the notes called 
Greenbacks. The third great measure adopted by the government 
was the sale of United States Bonds. The interest upon them 
Avas fixed at six per cent., payable semi-annually in gold. In the 
next place. Congress passed an act providing for the establishment 
of National Banks. National bonds, instead of gold and silver, 
were used as a basis of the circulation of these banks ; and the re- 
demption of their bills was guaranteed by the treasury of the 
United States. At the end of the conflict, the national debt had 
reached nearly three thousand millions of dollars. 

30. On the 4th of March, 1865, President Lincoln was inaugu- 
rated for his second term. Three days after the evacuation of 
Richmond by Lee's army, the President made a visit to that city. 
On the evening of the 14th of April, he, with his wife and a party 
of friends, attended Ford's Theatre in Washington. As the play 
drew near its close, a disreputable actor, named John Wilkes Booth, 
stole into the President's box, and shot him through the brain. 
Mr. Lincoln lingered in an unconscious state until morning, and 
died. It was the greatest tragedy of modern times. The assassin, 
after the murder, escaped into the darkness, and fled. 

31. At the same hour, another murderer, named Lewis Payne 
Powell, burst into the bed-chamber of Secretary Seward, sprang 
upon the couch of the sick man, and stabbed him nigh unto death. 
The city was wild with alarm. Troops of cavalry departed in all 
directions to hunt down the assassins. On the 26th of April, Booth 
was found concealed in a barn south of Fredericksburg. Refusing 
to surrender, he Avas shot by Sergeant Boston Corbett. Powell was 
caught and hanged. David E. Herrold and Geo. A. Atzerott, 
together with Mrs. Mary E. Surratt, at whose house the plot was 



338 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

formed, were also condemned and executed. Michael O'Laugldin, 
Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, and Samuel Arnold were sentenced to im- 
prisonment for life, and Edward Spangler for six years. 

32. So ended in darkness, but not in shame, the career of Abra- 
ham Lincoln— one of the most remarkable men of any age or 
country. He was prudent, far-sighted, and resolute; thoughtful, 
calm, and just; patient, tender-hearted, and great. The manner 
of his death consecrated his memory. From city to city, in one 
vast funeral procession, the mourning people followed his remains 
to their last resting-place at Springfield. 



Sherman's campaign to Meridian.— He retires to Vicksburg.— Forrest's raid.— 
Th.e Red River expedition.— Capture of Fort de Russy, Alexandria, and Natchi- 
toches.— Union disaster and retreat.— Steele falls back to Little Rock.— Grant 
lieutenant-general. -Plan of the campaigns of '64.— Sherman advances.— Battles 
of Dalton, Resaca, and Dallas.— Repulses at Kenesaw.— Siege and capture of 
Atlanta.— Hood invades Tennessee.— Battle of Franklin.— Siege of Nashville.— 
Ruin of Hood's army.— Sherman's march to the sea.— Capture of Macon, Mil- 
ledgeville, Gibson, and Waynesborough.— Storming of Fort McAllister.— Escape 
of Hardee.— And capture of the city.— Renewal of the march.— Columbia, Charles- 
ton, and Fayetteville are taken.— Johnston restored to command.— Battles of 
Averasborough and Bentonsville.— Capture of Goldsborough and Raleigh.— Sur- 
render of Johnston.— Farragut in Mobile Bay.— Fort Fisher is besieged.— And 
finally taken by storm.— Cushing's exploit.— The Confederate cruisers.— The 
Savaniuih.— Career of the «S'«w^er.— Cruise of the jVashville.^The Confederates use 
the British ship-yards. -Building of the Florida.— The Georgia, the Olustee, the 
Shenandoah, and the Chickamavga built at Glasgow.— Career of the Georgia and 
the Shenandoah.— The Alabama scours the ocean.— Runs into Cherbourg.— Is de- 
stroyed by the Kearsargc.—T\\e Army of the Potomac moves from Culpepper.— 
Reaches the Wilderness.— The battles.— Grant advances to Spottsylvania.— Terri- 
ble fighting there.— The Union army repulsed at Cold Harbor.— Grant changes 
base.— Butler captures Bermuda and City Point.— Junction of the armies. -TIk- 
siege of Petersburg begins.— Sigel on the Shenandoah.- Battles of New Market 
and Piedmont.— Early threatens Washington and Baltimore.— Fight at Winches- 
ter. -The Confederates burn Chambersburg.— Sheridan is sent into the valley.— 
Battles of Winchester and Fisher's Hill.— Sheridan ravages the country.— Early 
i»uts the Federals at Cedar Creek.— Sheridan returns, and destroys Early's 
army. -The siege of Petersbui'g continues.— Battles of Boydtown and Five 
Forks.— Flight of the Confederate government.— Fall of Richmond. -Surrender 
of Lee.— The Federal authority is reestablished.— Capture and trial of Davis.— 
Lincoln reelected. -Financial condition of tlie country.— Treasury notes.— In- 
ternal Revenue.— Legal Tenders.— Bonds.— Banks.— Tlie delit.- Lincoln is rein- 
augurated.— Visits Richmond.— Is assassinated.- Punishment of his murderers.— 
Character of Lincoln. 



johnso:n's administration. 339 



CHAPTER LXV. 
JOHNSONS ADMINISTRATION, 1865 1869. 

ON the day after the assassination of Mr. Lincohi, Andrew John- 
son became President of the United States. He was a native 
of Raleigh, North Carolina— born in 1808. With no advantages 
of education, he passed his boyhood in poverty. In 1828 he re- 
moved to Greenville, Tennessee, where he soon rose to distinc- 
tion, and was elected to Congress. As a member of the United 
States Senate in 1860-61, he opposed secession with all his powers. 
In 1862 he was appointed military governor of Tennessee. This 
office he held until he was nominated for the vice-presidency. 

2. On the 1st of February, 1865, Congress adopted an amend- 
ment to the Constitution by which slavery was abolished through- 
out the Union. By the 18th of the following December, the 
amendment had been ratified by the Legislatures of twenty-seven 
States, and w^as duly proclaimed as a part of the Constitution. The 
emancipation proclamation had been issued as a military necessity; 
and the results of the instrument were incorporated in the funda- 
mental law of the land. 

3. On the 29th of May, the Amnesty Proclajmation was 
issued by the President. By its provisions a pardon was extended 
to all persons — except those specified in certain classes — who ha^l 
taken part in upholding the Confederacy. During the summer of 
1865, the great armies were disbanded, and the victors and van- 
quished returned to their homes to resume the work of peace. 

4. The finances of the nation were in an alarming condition. 
The war-debt went on increasing until the beginning of 1866. 
The yearly interest grew to a hundred and thirty-three million 
dollars in gold. The expenses of the government had reached two 
hundred millions of dollars annually. But the revenues of the 

22 



340 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

nation proved sufficient to meet these enormous outlays, and at 
last the debt began to be diminished. 

5. During the civil war, the emperor Napoleon III. succeeded 
in setting up a French empire in Mexico. In 1864 the Mexican 
crown was conferred on Maximilian of Austria, who sustained his 
authority with French and Austrian soldiers. But the Mexican 
president Juarez headed a revolution ; the government of the 
United States rebuked France for her conduct; Napoleon with- 
drew his army ; and Maximilian was overthrown. Flying to 
Queretaro, he was besieged and taken prisoner. On the 13th of 
June, 1867, he was tried and condemned to be shot; and six days 
afterward the sentence was carried into execution. 

6. After a few weeks of successful operation, the first Atlantic 
telegraph had ceased to work. But Mr. Field continued to advo- 
cate his measure and to plead for assistance both in Europe and 
America. He made fifty voyages across the Atlantic, and finally 
secured sufficient capital to lay a second cable. The work iDegan 
from the coast of Ireland in the summer of 1865 ; but the first 
cable parted and was lost. In July of 1866, a third cable, two 
thousand miles in length, was coiled in the Great Eastern, and again 
the vessel started on her way. This time the work was completely 
successful. Mr. Field received a gold medal from Congress, and 
the plaudits of all civilized nations. 

7. The administration of President Johnson is noted as the time 
when the Territories of the United States assumed their present 
form. A part of the work was accomi:)lished during the civil war. 
In March of 1861, the Territory of Dakota was detached from 
Nebraska and given a distinct organization. The State of Kansas 
!iad at last, on the 29th of January, 1861, been admitted into the 
Union, under a constitution framed at Wyandotte. In February, 
1863, Arizona was separated from New Mexico, and on the 3d of 
March, in that year, Idaho was organized out of portions of Dakota, 
Nebraska, and Washington Territories. On the 26th of May, 1864, 
Montana was cut ofi" from Idaho. On the 1st of March, 1867, 
Nebraska was admitted into the Union as the thirty-seventh State. 
Finally, on the 25th of July, 1868, the Territory of Wyoming was 
organized out of portions of Dakota, Idaho, and Utah. 



JOHNSON'S A DMTNTSTRA TION. 341 

8. The year 1867 was signalized by the Purchase of Alaska. 
Two years previously, the territory had been explored by a corps 
of scientific men with a view of establishing telegraphic communi- 
cation with Asia. The explorers found that the coast-fisheries were 
of great value, and that the forests of white pine and yellow cedar 
were among the finest in the world. Negotiations for the purchase 
were at once opened, and on the 30th of March, 1867, a treaty 
was concluded by which, for the sum of seven million two hundred 
thousand dollars, Russia ceded Alaska to the United States. The 
territory embraced an area of five hundred and eighty thousand 
square miles, and a population of twenty-nine thousand souls. . 

9. Very soon after his accession, a serious disagreement arose 
between the President and Congress. The difficulty grew out of 
the question of reorganizing the Southern States. The point in 
dispute was as to the relation which those States had sustained to 
the Federal Union during the civil war. The President held that 
the ordinances of secession were null and void, and that the se- 
ceded States had never been out of the Union. The majority in Con- 
gress held that the acts of secession were illegal and unconstitu- 
tional, but that the seceded States had been actually detached from 
the Union, and that special legislation was necessary in order to 
restore them to their former relations. 

10. In 1865, measures of reconstruction were begun by the Pres- 
ident. On the 9th of May, a proclamation was issued for the restor- 
ation of Virginia to the Union. Twent}'^ days later a provisional 
government was established over South Carolina ; and similar meas- 
ures were adopted in respect to the other States of the Confederacy. 
On the 24th of June, all restrictions on trade and intercourse with 
the Southern States were removed. On the 7th of September, a 
second amnesty proclamation was issued, by which all persons who 
had upheld the Confederate cause — excepting the leaders — were 
unconditionally pardoned. Meanwhile, Tennessee had been reor- 
ganized, and in 1866 was restored to its place in the Union. When 
Congress convened, a committee of fifteen members was appointed, 
to which were referred all questions concerning the reorganization 
of the Southern States. In accordance with measures reported by 
this committee, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, 



342 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



North Carolina, and South Carolina were reconstructed, and in 
June and July of 1868, readmitted into the Union. Congress had, 

in the meantime, 
passed THE Civil 
Rights Bill, by 
which the jirivileges 
of citizenship were 
conferred on the 
freedmen of the 
South. All of these 
congressional enact- 
ments were effected 
over the veto of the 
President. 

11. Meanwhile, a 
difficulty had arisen 
in the President's 
caljinet which led 
to his impeachment. 
On the 21st of Feb- 
ruary, 1868, he no- 
tified Edwin M. 
Stanton, secretary of 
war, of his dismissal 
from office. The act was regarded by Congress as a usurpation of 
authority and a violation of law. On the od of March, articles of 
impeachment were agreed to by the House of Representatives, and 
the President was summoned before the Senate for trial. Proceed- 
ings began on the 23d of March and continued until the 26th of 
May, when the President was acquitted. Chief- Justice Salmon P. 
Chase, one of the most eminent of American statesmen and jurists, 
presided during the impeachment. 

12. The time for another presidential election was already at 
hand. General Ulysses S. Grant was nominated by the Repub- 
licans, and Horatio Seymour, of New York, by the Democrats. 
The canvass was one of great excitement. The questions most dis- 
cussed by the political speakers were those arising out of the civil 




CHIEF- JUSTICE CHASE. 



GRANTS ADMINISTRATION. 343 

war. The principles advocated by the majority in Congress fur- 
nished the Republican platform of 1868, and on that platform 
General Grant was elected by a large majority. As Vice-President, 
Schuyler Colfax, of Indiana, was chosen. 



Johnson in the presidency. -Slavery is formally abolished.— The Amnesty 
Proclamation.— A struggle with- the war-debt.— Napoleon's empire in Mexico.— 
Maximilian is captured and shot.— Final successor the Atlantic telegraph.— The 
Territories assume their final form.— Alaska is purchased from Russia.— The 
difficulty between the President and Congress.— The reconstruction imbroglio.— 
Second amnesty.— The Southern States are readmitted.— The President removes 
Stanton.— Is impeached.— And acquitted.-General Grant is elected President. 



CHAPTER LXVI. 

GRANTS ADMINISTRATION, 1869-1877. 

ULYSSES S. GRANT, eighteenth President of the United 
States, was born at Point Pleasant, Ohio, April 27th, 1822. 
At the age of seventeen he entered the Military Academy at West 
Point, and was graduated in 1843. He served with distinction in 
the Mexican war ; but his first national reputation was won by the 
capture of Forts Henry and Donelson. From that time he rapidly 
rose in rank, and in March, 1864, was appointed lieutenant-general 
and commander-in-chief of the Union army. 

2. The first great event of the new administration was the com- 
pletion of THE Pacific Railroad. The first division of the road 
extended from Omaha, Nebraska, to Ogden, Utah, a distance of 
a thousand and thirty-two miles. The western division reached 
from Ogden to San Francisco, a distance of eight hundred and 
eighty-two miles. On the 10th of May, 1869, the work was com- 
pleted with a})propriate ceremonies. 

3. Before the inauguration of President Grant two additional 



344 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



amendments to the Constitution had been adopted. The first of 
these, known as tlie Fourteenth Amendment, extended the right 
of citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United 

States, and declared 
the validity of the 
public debt. Early 
in 1869, the Fifteenth 
A m e n d m e n t was 
adopted by Congress, 
providing that the 
right of citizens to 
vote shall not be de- 
nied or abridged on 
account of race, color, 
or previous condition 
of servitude. This 
clause was proclaimed 
])y the President as 
a 2:>art of the Consti- 
tution, on the 30th 
of March, 1870. 

4. In the first three 
months of the same 
year, the reorganiza- 
tion of the Southern States was completed. On the 24th of Jan- 
uary, the senators and representatives of Virginia were readmitted to 
their seats in Congress. On the 23d of February a like action was 
taken in regard to Mississippi; and on the 30th of March the 
work was finished by the reiidmission of Texas. 

5. In 1870 was completed the ninth census of the United States. 
Notwithstanding the ravages of war, the last ten years had been 
a period of growth and progress. During that time the population 
had increased to thirty-eight million five hundred and eighty-seven 
thousand souls. The national debt was rapidly falling off*. The 
products of the United States had grown to a vast aggregate. 
American manufacturers were competing with those of England in 
the markets of the world. The Union now embraced thirty-seven 




VLYPSES S. GRANT. 



G BANTS AD .MINISTRATION. 345 

States and eleven Territories. The national domain had spread to 
the vast area of three million six hundred and four thousand square 
miles. Few things have been more wonderful than the territorial 
growth of the United States. The nature of this development will 
be easily understood from the accompanying map. 

6. In January of 1871, President Grant appointed Senator Wade 
of Ohio, Professor White of New York, and Dr. Samuel Howe of 
Massachusetts, to visit Santo Domingo and report ujjon the desira- 
bility of annexing that island to the United States. The measure 
was earnestly favored by the President. After three months spent 
abroad, the commissioners returned and reported in favor of annexa- 
tion ; but the proposal was met with opposition in Congress, and 
defeated. 

7. The claim of the United States against the British govern- 
ment for damages done by Confederate cruisers during the civil 
war still remained unsettled. After the war Great Britain grew 
anxious for an adjustment of the difficulty. On the 27th of Feb- 
ruary, 1871, a joint high commission, composed of five British and 
five American statesmen, assembled at Washington city. From 
the fact that the cruiser Alabama had done most of the injury com- 
plained of, the claims of the United States were called the Ala- 
bama Claims. After much discussion, the commissioners framed 
a treaty, known as the Treaty of Washington. It was agreed that 
all claims of either nation against the other should be submitted to 
a board of arbitration to be appointed by friendly nations. Such a 
court was formed, and in the summer of 1872 convened at Geneva, 
Switzerland. The cause of the two nations was heard, and on the 
14th of September, decided in favor of the United States. Great 
Britain was required to pay into the Federal treasury fifteen million 
five hundred thousand dollars. 

8. The year 1871 is noted in American history for the burning 
of Chicago. On the evening of the 8th of October a fire broke 
out in De Koven street, and was driven by a high wind into the 
lumber-yards and wooden houses of the neighborhood. All day 
long the flames rolled on, sweeping into a blackened ruin the most 
valuable portion of the city. The area burned over was two thou- 
sand one hundred acres, or three and a third square miles. Nearly 



346 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



two hundred lives were lost, and the property destroyed amounted to 
about two hundred millions of dollars. 

9. As the first term of President Grant drew to a close, the 

political parties 
made ready for the 
twenty-second pres- 
idential election. 
Many parts of the 
chief magistrate's 
policy had been 
made the subjects 
of controversy. 
The congressional 
plan of reconstruc- 
tion had been un- 
flivorably received 
in the South. The 
elevation of the 
negro race to the 
rights of citizenship 
was regarded with 
apprehension. The 
military spirit was 
still rife in the coun- 
try, and the issues of the civil war were rediscussed with much 
bitterness. On these issues the people divided in the election of 
1872. The Kepublicans renominated General Grant for the presi- 
dency. For the vice -presidency Mr. Colfax was succeeded by 
Henry A¥ilson of Massachusetts. As the standard-bearer of the 
Liberal Republican and Democratic jmrties Horace Greeley, editor 
of the New York Tribune, was nominated. This was the last act 
in that i-emarkable man's career. For more than thirty years he 
had been a leader of public opinion in America. After a lifetime 
of untiring industry he was now called to the forefront of political 
strife. The canvass was one of wild excitement. Mr. Greeley 
was overwhelmingly defeated, and died in less than a month after 
the election. 




HORACE GKEKLEY. 




100 Longiti! 



est 18 from WashingtonlS 




it 95 from Greenwich 90 



GRANT'S ADMINISTBATION. 347 

10. On the evening of the 9th of November, a fire broke out on 
the corner of Kingston and Summer streets, Boston, spread to the 
north-east, and continued with unabated fury until the morning of 
the 11th. The best portion of the city, embracing some of the 
finest blocks in the United States, was laid in ashes. The burnt 
district covered an area of sixty-five acres. Eight hundred build- 
ings, property to the value of eighty million dollars, and fifteen 
lives were lost in the conflagration. 

11. In the spring of 1872, Superintendent Odeneal had been 
ordered to remove the Modoc Indians from their lands on Lake 
Klamath, Oregon, to a new reservation. The Indians refused to 
go ; and in the following November, a body of troops was sent to 
force them into compliance. The Modocs resisted, kept up the war 
during the winter, and then retreated into a volcanic region called 
the lava-beds. Here, in the spring of 1873, the Indians were sur- 
rounded. On the 11 til of April, a conference was held between 
them and six members of the peace commission ; but in the midst 
of the council the savages rose upon the kind-hearted men who sat 
beside them, and murdered General Canby and Dr. Thomas in cold 
blood. Mr. Meacham, another member of the commission, was 
shot, but escaped with his life. The Modocs were then besieged 
in their stronghold ; but it was the 1st of June before Captain 
Jack and his band were obliged to surrender. The chiefs were 
tried by court-martial and executed in the following October. 

12. In 1873 a diificulty arose in Louisiana which threatened the 
peace of the country. Owing to the existence of double election- 
boards, two sets of presidential electors had been chosen in the 
previous autumn. Two governors — William P. Kellogg and John 
McEnery — were elected ; rival legislatures were returned by the 
hostile boards; and two State governments were organized. The 
dispute was referred to the President, who decided in favor of Gov- 
ernor Kellogg. On the 14th of September, 1874, a large party, 
led by D. B. Penn, rose in arms and took possession of the State- 
house. Governor Kellogg fled to the custom-house and appealed 
to the President. The latter ordered the adherents of Penn to dis- 
perse, and troops were sent to New Orleans to enforce the procla- 
mation. On the assembling of the legislature in the following 



348 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



December, the difficulty broke out more violently thau ever, and 
the soldiery was again called in to settle the dispute. 

13. About the beginning of President Grant's second term, the 
country Avas agitated by the Ckedit Mobiliek Investigation in 
Congress. The Credit Mobilier was a joint stock company organized 

in 1863 for the pur- 
po.^c of construct- 
i n g public works. 
In 1867 another 
company which had 
undertaken to build 
the Pacific Kailroad 
purchased the 
charter of the Credit 
Mobilier, and the 
capital was in- 
creased to three 
million seven hun- 
dred and fifty tliou- 
^and dollars. Owing 
to the profitableness 
of the w^ork, the 
^tock rose in value 
and large dividends 
were \)^\di to the 
shareholders. I n 
1872 it became known that much of tliis stock ivas owned by 
members of Congress. A suspicion that those members had voted 
corruptly in matters affecting the Pacific Railroad, seized the public 
mind and led to a congressional investigation, in the course of 
which many scandalous transactions were brought to light. 

14:. In the autumn of 1873, occurred one of the most disastrous 
financial panics ever known in the United States. The alarm was 
given by the failure of Jay Cooke & Company of Philadelphia. 
Other failures followed in rapid succession. Depositors hurried to 
the banks and withdrew their money. Business was paralyzed, 
and many months elapsed before confidence was sufficiently restored 




CHARLES SUMNEU. 



GRANT'S ADMINISTRATION. 



349 



to enable merchants and bankers to engage in the usual transac- 
tions of trade. 

15. In the last years, many public men have fallen by the hand 
of death. In December of 1869, Edwin M. Stanton, died. In 
1870 General Robert E. Lee, president of Washington and Lee 




rilE MEMOUIAL HALL. 



University, General George H. Thomas, and Admiral Farragut 
passed away. In 1872 William H. Seward, Professor Morse, 
Horace Greeley, and General Meade were all called from the 
scene of their earthly labors. On the 7th of May, 1873, Chief- 
Justice Chase fell under a stroke of paralysis ; and on the 11th of 
March, in the following year, Senator Charles Sumner of Massa- 
chusetts died in Washington city. On the 31st of July, 1875, ex- 
President Andrew Johnson, who had been recently chosen United 
States senator from Tennessee, passed from among the living. On 
the 22d of tlio following November, Vice-President Henry Wilson, 
whose health had been gradually fxiling since his inauguration, 
sank into rest. 

16. With the coming of 1870, the peo])le made ready to celebrate 
THE Centennial of Ainiertcan Independence. The city of 
Philadelphia was the central point of interest. There, on the 10th 
of May, the great International Exposition was opened with im- 



350 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




posing ceremonies. In Fairmoiint Park, on the Schuylkill, were 
erected beautiful buildings to receive the products of art and in- 
dustry from all nations. The Main Exposition Building, Machin* 
ery Hall, the Memorial Hall, the Horticultural and Agricultural 

buildings, the United State? 
Government Building, and 
the Woman's Pavilion, were 
the principal structures which 
adorned the grounds. By the 
beginning of summer these 
stately edifices were filled to 
overflowing with the richest 
products, gathered from every 
clime and country. On the 
4th of July, the centennial of 
the great Declaration was 
commemorated in Philadel- 
phia, with an impressive ora- 
scENE OF THE SIOUX WAR, 1876. tiou by William M. Evai-ts, 

of New York, and a National Ode by the poet. Bayard Taylor. 
The average daily attendance of visitors at the Exposition was over 
sixty-one thousand. The grounds were open for one hundred and 
fifty-eight days ; and the receipts for admission amounted to more 
than three million seven hundred thousand dollars. On the 10th 
of November, the Exhibition, the most succesful of its kind ever 
held, was formally closed by the President of the United States. 

17. The last year of President Grant's administration was noted 
for THE WAR WITH THE Sioux. These fierce savages had, in 1807, 
made a treaty with the United States, agreeing to relinquish all of 
the territory south of the Niobrara, west of the one hundred and 
fourth meridian, and north of the forty-sixth parallel. By this 
treaty the Sioux were confined to a large reservation in south- 
western Dakota, and upon this reservation they agreed to retire by 
the first of January, 1876. But many of the tribes continued to 
roam at large through Wyoming and Montana, burning houses, 
stealing horses, and murdering whoever opposed them. 

18. The Government now undertook to drive the Sioux upon 



GRANT'S ADMINISTRATION. 351 

their reservation. A large force of regulars, under Generals Terry 
and Crook, was sent into the mountainous country of the Upper 
Yellowstone, and the savages, to the number of several thousand, 
were crowded back against the Big Horn Mountains and River. 
Generals Custer and Reno, who were sent forward with the Seventh 
Cavalry to discover the whereabouts of the Indians, found them en- 
camped in a village on the left bank of the Little Horn. 

19. On the 25th of June, General Custer, without waiting for 
reinforcements, charged headlong with his division into the Indian 
town, and was immediately surrounded. The struggle equaled in 
desperation and disaster any other Indian battle ever fought in 
America. General Oiister and every man of his command fell in the 
fight. The whole loss of the Seventh Cavalry was two hundred 
and sixty-one killed, and fifty-two wounded. General Reno held 
his position on the bluffs of the Little Horn until General Gibbon 
arrived with reinforcements and saved the remnant from destruction. 

20. Other divisions of the army were soon hurried forward, and 
during the summer and autumn, the Indians were beaten in several 
engagements. Negotiations were opened looking to the removal of 
the Sioux to the Indian Territory ; but the project proved imprac- 
ticable. On the 24th of November, the Sioux were decisively de- 
feated by Colonel McKenzie, at a pass in the Big Horn Moun- 
tains. On the 5th of January, the savages were again overtaken 
and routed by the forces of Colonel Miles. 

21. The remaining bands, under Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, 
being able to offer no further serious resistance, escaj^ed across the 
border and became subject to the authorities of Canada. Here 
they remained until the following autumn, when the Government 
opened negotiations with them for their return to their reservation. 
A commission, headed by General Terry, met Sitting Bull and his 
warriors at Fort Walsh, on the Canadian frontier. Here a con- 
ference was held on the 8th of October. Full pardon for past 
offenses was offered to the Sioux on condition of their peaceable 
return and future good behavior. But Sitting Bull and his chiefs 
rejected the proposal with scorn; the conference was broken off, 
and the savages were left at large in the British territory north of 
Milk River. 



352 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

22. On the 1st of July, 1876, the constitution of Colorado was 
ratified by the people of the territory. A month later the Presi- 
dent issued his proclamation, and the new commonwealth took her 
place as the thirty-eighth member of the Union. The population 
of the State already numbered forty-five thousand. Until 1859, 
Colorado constituted a part of Kansas. In that year a convention 
was held at Denver, and a distinct territorial government was or- 
ganized. At the close of 1875, the yield of gold in " the Centen- 
nial State" had reached the sum of seventy millions of dollars. 

23. The twenty-third presidential election Avas one of the most 
exciting and critical in the history of the nation. General Ruther- 
ford B. Hayes, of Ohio, and William A. Wheeler, of New York, 
were chosen as candidates l)y the Republicans ; Samuel J. Tilden, 
of New York, and Thomas A. Hendiicks, of Indiana, by the Dem- 
ocrats The Independent Greenback party presented as candidates 
Peter Cooj)er, of New York, and Samuel F. Cary, of Ohio. The 
canvass began early and with great spirit. The real contest lay be- 
tween the Republicans and the Democrats. The election was held. 
The general result was ascertained, aiid both imrties daivied the vic- 
tory ! The election was so evenly balanced between the candidates, 
there had been so much irregularity in the elections in South Car- 
olina, Florida, Louisiana, and Oregon; and the power of Congress 
over the electoral proceedings was so poorly defined, — that no cer- 
tain result could be announced. For the first time in the history 
of the country, there was a disputed presidency. 

24. When Congress convened in December, the whole question 
came before that body for adjustment. After much debating, it 
was agreed that the disputed election returns should be referred for 
decision to A Joint High Commission, consisting of five mem- 
bers chosen from the United States Senate, five from the House 
of Representatives, and five from the Supreme Court. The Com- 
mission was accordingly constituted. The returns of the disputed 
States were referred to the tribunal ; and on the 2d of March a 
result was reached. The Republican candidates were declared 
elected. One hundred and eighty-five electoral votes were cast for 
Hayes and Wheeler, and one hundred and eighty-four for Tilden 
and Hendricks. 



HAYES'S ADMINISTRATION. 353 

Sketch of President Grant.— The Pacific Railroad is completed.— The ?'our- 
teentli and Fifteentli Amendments are adopted.— Tlie Soutliern States are re- 
stored to tlie Union.— Tlie ninth census and its lesson.— Tlie Santo Domingo bus- 
iness.— The Alabama Claims are adjusted by the Geneva Court.— The burning 
of Chicago.— The Presidential election.— The candidates.— Grant is reelected.— 
Character and death of Greeley.— Great fire in Boston.— The Modoc War.— Mur- 
der of the peace commissioners.— The savages are subdued.— The Louisiana 
imbroglio.— The Credit Mobilier investigation.— The financial crisis of 1873-74.— 
Death-roll of eminent men.— The Centennial Exhibition.— Tlie Sioux War 
breaks out.— The Custer massacre.— Tbe Indians are overpowered.— Sitting Bull 
and his band escape to Canada.— Tlie conference with them.— Admission of 
Colorado.— The great election of 187G.— A disputed presidency.— The result. 



CHAPTER LXVII. 
HAYES'S ADMINISTRATION, 1877-1881. 

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES, nineteenth President of the 
United States, was born in Delaware, Ohio, on the 4th of Oc- 
tober, 1822. His ancestors w^ere soldiers of the Revolution. His 
primary education was received in the public schools. Afterward, 
at the age of twenty, he was graduated from Kenyon College. In 
1845 he completed his legal studies, and began the practice of his 
profession, first at Marietta, then at Fremont, and finally as city 
solicitor, in Cincinnati. During the Civil War he performed much 
honorable service in the Union cause, rose to the rank of major- 
general, and in 1864, while still in the field, was elected to Con- 
gress. Three years later, he was chosen governor of his native 
State and was reelected in 1869, and again in 1875, 

2, In his inaugural address, delivered on the 5th of March,* 
President Hayes indicated the policy of his administration. The 
patriotic and conciliatory utterances of the address did much to 
quiet the bitter spirit of partisanship which for many months had 
disturbed the country. The distracted South was assured of right 

*The Ath of March fell on Sunday. The same thhig has happened m the following 
yeeuru: 1758, 1781, 1821 (Monroe's Inauguration, second term), 1819 (Taylor's inaugura- 
tion), 1877 (Hayes's Inauguration);— and the same will hereafter occur as follows: 1917, 
1945, 1973, 200i, 2029, 2067, 2085, 2126, 2163. 



354 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

purposes and honest plans on the part of the new chief-magistrate ; 
a radical reform in the civil service was avowed as a part of his 
policy ; and a speedy return to specie payments was recommended 
as the final cure for the deranged finances of the nation. 

3. On the 8th of March, the President named the members of 
his cabinet. William M. Evarts, of New York, was chosen secre- 
tary of state; John Sherman, of Ohio, secretary of the treasury ; 
George W. McCrary, of Iowa, secretary of war; Richard W. 
Thompson, of Indiana, secretary of the navy; Carl Schurz, of 
Missouri, secretary of the interior ; Charles E. Devens, of Mas^ 
sachusetts, attorney-general ; and David M. Key, of Tennessee, 
postmaster-general. These nominations were duly ratified by the 
Senate, and the new administration and the new century of the Re- 
public were ushered in together. 

4. In the summer of 1877 occurred what is known as the 
Great Railroad Strike. The managers of the leading railways 
from the seaboard to the West had declared a reduction in wages, 
and the measure was violently resisted by the employes of the com- 
panies. On the 16th of July, the workmen of the Baltimore and 
Ohio Railroad left their posts and gathered such strength in Balti- 
more and at Martinsburg, West Virginia, as to prevent the run- 
ning of trains and set the authorities at defiance. The militia was 
called out by Governor Matthews and sent to Martinsburg, but was 
soon dispersed by the strikers. The President then ordered Gen- 
eral French to the scene with a body of regulars, and the blockade 
of the road was raised. On the 20th of the month, a terrible tu- 
mult occurred in Baltimore ; but the troops succeeded in scattering 
the rioters, of whom nine were killed and many wounded. 

5. Meanwhile, the strike spread everywhere. In less than a 
week the trains had been stopped on all the important roads be- 
tween the Hudson and the Mississippi. Travel ceased, freights 
perished en route, business was paralyzed. In Pittsburgh the 
strikers, rioters, and dangerous classes, gathering in a mob to the 
number of twenty thousand, obtained complete control of the city 
and for two days held a reign of terror unparalleled in the history 
of the country. The Union Depot and all the machine shops and 
other railroad buildings of tlie city were burned. A hundred and 



HAYES'S ADMINISTRATION. 355 

twenty-five locomotives, and two thousand five hundred cars laden 
with valuable cargoes were destroyed. The insurrection was finally 
suppressed by the regular troops and the Pennsylvania militia, but 
not until nearly a hundred lives had been lost and property de- 
stroyed to the value of more than three millions of dollars. 

6. A similar but less terrible riot occurred at Chicago on the 
25th of the month. In this tumult fifteen of the insurgents were 
killed. On the nexf day St. Louis was for some hours in peril of 
the mob. San Francisco was at the same time the scene of a dan- 
gerous outbreak, which was here directed against the Chinese immi- 
grants and the managers of the lumber yards. Cincinnati, Colum- 
bus, Louisville, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne were for a while in 
danger, but escaped without serious loss of life or property. By 
the close of the month, the alarming insurrection was at an end. 
Business and travel flowed back into their usual channels; but the 
sudden outbreak had given a great shock to the public mind, and 
revealed a hidden peril to American institutions. 

7. In the spring of 1877, a war broke out with the Nez Perce 
Indians of Idaho. This tribe of natives had been known to the 
Government since 1806, at which time a treaty was made with 
them by the explorers, Lewis and Clarke. In 1854 the national 
authorities purchased a part of the Nez Perce territory, large res- 
ervations being made in Northwestern Idaho and Northeastern 
Oregon ; but some of the chiefs refused to ratify the compact, and 
remained at large. This was the beginning of difficulties. 

8. The war began with the usual depredations by the Indians. 
General Howard, commanding the Department of the Columbia, 
marched against them with a small force of regulars ; but the Nez 
Perces, led by their noted chieftain Joseph, fled first in this direc- 
tion and then in that, avoiding battle. During the greater part 
of summer the pursuit continued ; still the Indians could not be 
overtaken. In the fall they were chased through the mountains 
into Northern Montana, where they were confronted by other 
troops commanded by Colonel Miles. 

9. The Nez Perces were next driven across the Missouri River, 
near the mouth of the Musselshell, and were finally surrounded 
in their camp north of the Bear Paw Mountains. Here, on the 

23 



356 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

4th of October, they were attacked by the forces of Colonel Miles. 
A hard battle was fought, and the Indians were completely routed. 
Only a few, led by the chief White Bird, escaped. All the rest 
were either killed or made prisoners. Three hundred and seventy- 
five of the captive Nez Perces were brought back to the American 
post on the Missouri. The troops of General Howard had made 
forced marches through a mountainous country /o7' a distance of six- 
teen hundred miles! The campaign was crowned with complete 
success. 

10. During the year 1877, the public mind was greatly agitated 
concerning the Remonetization of Silver. By the first coinage 
regulations of the United States, the standard unit of value was the 
American Silver Dollar. From 1792 until 1873, the quantity of 
pure metal in this unit had never been changed, though the amount 
of alloy contained in the dollar was several times altered. In 1849 
a gold dollar was added to the coinage, and from that time forth 
the standard unit of value existed in both metals. In 1873-74 a 
series of acts were adopted by Congress bearing upon the standard 
unit of value, whereby the legal-tender quality of silver was abol- 
ished, and the silver dollar omitted from the list of coins to be 
struck at the national mints. 

11. In January, 1875, the Resumption Act was passed by 
Congress. It was declared that on the 1st of January, 1879, the 
Government should begin to redeem its outstanding legal -tender 
notes in coin. The question was now raised as to the meaning of 
the word "coin" in the act; and, for the first time, the attention 
of the people was aroused to the fact that the privilege of paying 
debts in silver had been taken away. A great agitation followed. 
The cry for the remonetization of silver reached the Government, and 
in 1878 a measure was passed by Congress for the restoration of 
the legal-tender quality of the old silver dollar, and for the com- 
pulsory coinage of that unit at a rate of not less than two millions 
of dollars a month. The President returned the bill with his ob- 
jections, but the veto was crushed under a tremendous majority, 
and the old double standard of values was restored. 

12. In the summer of 1878, several of the Gulf States were 
scourged with a Yellow Fever Epidemic. The disease made its 



HA YES'S ADMTNISTRA TION. 357 

appearance in New Orleans, and from 'thence was scattered among 
the towns along the Mississippi. Soon the jieople began to fly from 
the pestilence. The cities of Memphis and Grenada became a scene 
of desolation. At Vicksburgh the ravages of the plague were 
almost equally terrible; and even in the parish-towns remote from 
the river the horrors of the scourge were felt. All summer long 
the disease held on unabated. A regular system of contributions 
vvas established in the Northern States, and men and treasure were 
poured out without stint to relieve the suffering South. After more 
than twenty thousand people had fallen victims to the plague, the 
frosts of October came at last, and ended the pestilence. 

13. By the Treaty of Washington,* it was agreed that the right 
of the United States in certain sea-fisheries which had hitherto be- 
longed to Great Britain, should be acknowledged and maintained. 
It was conceded that the privilege of taking fish on the sea-coasts 
and in the harbors, and creeks of the provinces of Quebec, Nova 
Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward's Island, and the islands 
adjacent, should be guaranteed to American fishermen. The gov- 
ernment of the United States agreed to relinquish the duties which 
had hitherto been charged on certain kinds of fish imported by 
British subjects into American harbors; and in order to balance 
any discrepancy, and to make the settlement of the question full, 
fair, and final, it was further agreed that any total advantage 
to the United States might be compensated by a sum in gross to 
be paid by the American government. To determine what such 
sum should be, a Commission was provided for, and in the summer 
of 1877 the sittings began at Halifax. In November the country 
was startled -by the announcement that an aivard of Jive millioiu 
of dollars had been made against the American governmeiitl The 
decision was received with general surprise, and for awhile it 
seemed probable that the arbitration might be renounced. It was 
decided, however, that the award would better stand; and in No- 
vember, 1878, the amount was paid to the British government. 

14. The year 1878 witnessed the establishment of A resident 
Chinese Embassy at Washington. For twenty years the great 
treaty negotiated by Anson Burlingame had been in force between 

* See page 345. 



358 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the United States and China. The commercial relations of the 
two countries had been vastly extended, and a knowledge of the 
institutions and manners of the Celestial Empire had in some 
measure broken down the race-prejudice against the Mongolians. 
The enlightened policy of the emperor had also contril^uted to 
establish more friendly intercourse with the United States. The 
officers chosen by the imperial government as its representatives in 
the United States were Chen Lan Pin, Yung Wing, and Yung 
Tsang Siang. On the 28th of September the embassy was received 
by the President. The ceremonies of the occasion were among the 
most interesting ever witnessed in Washington. The speech of 
Chen Lan Pin, the minister, was equal in dignity and appropriate- 
ness to the best efforts of a European diplomatist. 

15. In June, 1878, the Life-Saving Service of the United 
States was established by act of Congress. The plan proposed the 
establishment of regular stations and light-houses on all the exposed 
parts of the Atlantic coast and along the great lakes. Each station 
was to be manned by a band of surfmen experienced in the dangers 
peculiar to the shore in times of storms, and drilled in the best 
methods of rescue and resuscitation. Boats of the most approved 
pattern were provided and equipped. A hundred appliances and 
inventions suggested by the wants of the service were supplied, and 
their use skillfully taught to the brave men who were employed at 
the stations. The success of the enterprise has been so great as to 
reflect the highest credit on its promoters. The number of lives 
saved through the agency of the service reaches to thousands an- 
nually, and the amount of human suffering and distress alleviated 
by this beneficent movement is beyond computation. 

16. On the 1st of January, 1879, the Resumption of Specie 
Payments was accomplished by the treasury of the United States. 
For more than seventeen years gold and silver coin had been at a 
premium over the legal-tender notes of the Government. At times 
the purchasing power of a dollar could hardly be predicted from 
one week to another. A spirit of rampant speculation had taken 
possession of the market values of the country. After the passage 
of the Resumption Act, in 1875, the debtor classes of the country 
entered a period of great hardship; for their indebtedness constantly 



HA YES'S ADMINISTRA TIOK 359 

augmented in a ratio beyond the probability, if not the possibility, 
of payment. It was an epoch of financial ruin and bankruptcy. 
With the near approach of Resumption a certain degree of con- 
fidence was restored, and the actual accomplishment of the fact 
was hailed by many as the omen of better times. 

17. The presidential election of 1880 was accompanied with the 
usual excitement attendant upon great political struggles in the 
United States. The elections of 1878 had generally gone against 
the Republican party, and there were reasons to exj^ect that in the 
impending contest for the presidency the Democratic jmrty would 
prove successful. The Republican national convention was held in 
Chicago on the 2d and od of June ; a platform of principles was 
adopted, and General James A. Garfield, of Ohio, nominated for 
President. For Vice-President, Chester A. Arthur, of New York, 
received the nomination. The Democratic national convention as- 
sembled in Cincinnati, on the 22d of June, and nominated for the 
presidency General Winfield S. Hancock, of New York, and for 
the vice-presidency William H. English, of Indiana. The National 
Greenback party held a convention in Chicago, on the 9th of June, 
and nominated General James B. Weaver, of Iowa, for President, 
and General Benjamin J. Chambers, of Texas, for Vice-President. 

18. The canvass had not progressed far until it became evident 
that the contest lay between the Republican and the Democratic 
party. The election resulted in the choice of Garfield and Arthur. 
Two hundred and fourteen electoral votes, embracing those of 
nearly all the Northern States, were cast for the Republican candi- 
dates, and one hundred and fifty-five votes, including those of every 
Southern State, were given to Hancock and English. The candi- 

lates of the National party secured no electoral votes, though the 
popular vote given to Weaver and Chambers aggregated 307,000, 

19. Soon after retiring from the presidency. General Grant with 
his family and a company of personal friends, set out to make A 
TOUR OF THE WORLD. The expedition attracted the most conspicu- 
ous attention both at home and abroad. The departure from Phila- 
delphia on the 17tli of May, 1877, was the beginning of such a 
pageant as was never before extended to any citizen of any nation of 
the earth. Wherever the distinguished ex-President went he wa^ 



. 360 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

welcomed with huzzas and dismissed with plaudits. The first eight- 
een months of the tour were spent in visiting the cities and countries 
of Europe, and in January of 1879 the company embarked from 
Marseilles for the East. The following year was spent in visiting the 
great countries of Asia — India first ; then Burmah and Siam ; then 
China; and then Japan. In the fall of 1879 the party returned to 
San Francisco, bearing with them the highest tokens of esteem 
which the great nations of the Old World could bestow upon the 
honored representative of the New. 

20. The Census of 1880 was undertaken with more system and 
care than ever before in the history of the country. The work was 
entrusted to the superintendency of Professor Francis A. Walker. 
During the decade the same rapid progress which had marked the 
previous history of the United States was more than ever illustrated. 
In every source of national power the development of the country 
had continued without abatement. The total population of the 
states and territories of the Union now amounted to 50,182,525 — 
an increase since 1870 of more than a mUUon iiiliah'dants a year I 
New York was still the leading state, having a population of 
5,083,173. Nevada was least populous, showing an enumeration 
of but 62,265. Of the 11,584,188 added to the population since 
the census of 1870, 2,246,551 had been contributed by immigration, 
of whom about 85,000 annually came from Germany alone. The 
number of cities having a j)opulation of over 100,000 inhabitants 
had increased during the decade from fourteen to twenty. The 
center of population had moved westward about fifty miles, and 
now rested at the city of Cincinnati. 

21. The statistics of trade and industry were likewise of a sort to 
gratify patriotism, if not to excite national pride. The current of 
the precious metals which for many years had flowed constantly 
from the United States to foreign countries turned strongly, in 
1880, towards America. The importation of specie during the year 
just mentioned amounted to $93,034,310, while the exportation of 
the same during the year reached only $17,142,199. During the 
greater part of the period covered by the census abundant crops had 
followed in almost unbroken succession, and the overplus in the great 
staples peculiar to our soil and climate had gone to enrich the 



HA YES'S ADMINISTRA TION. 361 

country, and to stimulate to an unusual degree those great in- 
dustries upon which national perpetuity and individual happiness 
are founded. 

22. During the administration of Hayes several eminent Ameri- 
cans passed from the scene of their earthly activities. On the 1st 
of November, 1877, Senator Oliver P. Morton, of Indiana, after 
battling for many years against the deadly encroachments of par- 
alysis, died at his home in Indianapolis. His death, though not 
unforeseen, was much lamented. Still more universally felt was 
the loss of the great poet and journalist, William Cullen Bryant, 
who, on the 12th of June, 1878, at the advanced age of eighty-four, 
passed from among the living. For more than sixty years his name 
had been known and honored wherever the English language is 
spoken. On the 19th of December, in the same year, the illustrious 
Bayard Taylor, who had recently been appointed American niinister 
to the German Empire, died suddenly in the city of Berlin, His 
life had been exclusively devoted to literary work ; and almost every 
department of letters, from the common tasks of journalism to the 
highest charms of poetry, had been adorned by his genius. On 
the 1st day of November, 1879, Zachariah Chandler, of Michi- 
gan, one of the organizers of the Republican party, and a great 
leader of that party in the times of the civil war, died suddenly at 
Chicago. On the 24th day of February, 1881, the distinguished 
Matt. H. Carpenter, of Wisconsin, expired at Washington, and on 
the 24th dajr of April, in the same year, the noted publisher and 
author, James T. Fields, died at his home in Boston. 



Sketch of President Hayes.— His inaugural address.— The policy indicated.— His 
cabinetorganized.— The great railroad strike disturbs the country.— Troubles on 
the Baltimore and Ohio line.— Riot at Pittsburgh.— Mobs in Chicago and St. Louis. 
—At San Francisco.— The Nez Perc6 war breaks out.— Howard subdues the tribe. 
—Silver is remonetized.— The Resumption Act is passed.— Yellow Fever desolates 
the South.— The Halifax Commission makes an award against the United State.s. 
A Chinese legation is established at Washington.— The Life-saving service is in- 
stil uted.— The Resumption of Specie Payments is accomplished.— The presiden- 
tial election of 1880.— Results in the choice of Garfield.— General Grant makes a 
tour of the world.— The census of 1880.— Death-roll of eminent men. 



362 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER LXVIII. 

ADMINISTRATION OF GARFIELD AND ARTHUR, 1881-1885. 

JAMES A. GARFIELD, twentieth president of the United States, 
was born at Orange, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, November 19, 1831. 
He was left in infancy to the sole care of his mother and to the rude 
surroundings of a backwoods home. Blest with an abundance of 
physical vigor, the boy gathered from country toil a sound consti- 
tution, and from country schools the rudiments of education. In 
boyhood his services were in frequent demand by the farmers of the 
neighborhood — for he developed unusual skill as a mechanic. 
Afterward he served as a driver and pilot of a canal boat plying 
the Ohio and Pennsylvania canal. At the age of seventeen he 
attended the High School in Chester, was afterwards a student at 
Hiram College, and in 1854 entered Williams College, from which 
he was graduated with honor. 

2. In the same year, Garfield returned to Ohio, and was made 
first a professor and afterwards president of Hiram College. This 
position he held until the outbreak of the civil war when he left 
his post to enter the army. In the service he rose to distinction, 
and while still in the field, was elected by the people of his dis- 
trict to the lower house of Congress. In 1879 he was elected to 
the United States Senate, and hard upon this followed his nomi- 
nation and election to the presidency. American history has fur 
nished but few instances of a more steady and brilliant rise fi-oni 
the poverty of an obscure boyhood to the most distinguished elect- 
ive office in the gift of mankind. 

3. On the 4th of March, 1881, President Garfield, according to 
the custom, delivered his inaugural address, and on the day follow- 
ing the inauguration sent to the Senate for confirmation the names 
of the members of his cabinet. The nominations were, for secre- 



ADMINISTRATIONS OF GARFIELD AND ARTHUR. 363 

tary of state, James G. Blaine, of Maine; for secretary of the 
treasury, William Windom, of Minnesota; for secretary of war, 
Robert T. Lincoln, of Illinois ; for secretary of the navy, William 
H. Hunt, of Louisiana; for secretary of the interior, Samuel J. 
Kirkwood, of Iowa; for attorney-general, Wayne McVeagii, of 




lAUFIEl.Li. 



Pennsylvania; for postmaster-general, Thomas L. James, of New 
York. These nominations were promptly confirmed, and the new 
administration entered upon its course with omens of an auspicious 
future. 

4. The prospects of the new administration were soon darkened 
with political difficulties. A division arose in the ranks of the 



364 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Republican party. The two wings ot the Republicans were nick- 
named the "Stalwarts" and the "Half-breeds:" the former, headed 
by Senator Coukling of New York, the latter, led by Mr. 
Blaine, the Secretary of State, and indorsed by the President him- 
self. The Stalwarts claimed the right of dispensing the appointive 
offices of the Government, after the manner which j^revailed for 
several preceding administrations ; the President, supported by his 
division of the party, iusisted on naming the officers in the various 
States according to his own Avishes. 

5. The chief clash between the two influences in the party 
occurred in New York. The collectorship of customs for the port 
of New York is the best appointive office in the Government. To 
fill this position the President nominated Judge William Robertson, 
and the appointment was antagonized by the New York Senators, 
Coukling and Piatt, who, failing to prevent the confirmation of 
Robertson, resigned their seats, returned to their State, and failed 
of a re-election. 

6. A few days after the adjournment of the Senate in June, the 
President made arrangements to visit Williams College, where his 
two sons were to be placed at school, and to pass a short vacation 
with his sick wife at the sea-side. On the morning of July 2d, in 
company with Secretary Blaine and a few friends, he entered the 
Baltimore depot at Washington to take the train for Long Branch, 
New Jersey. A moment afterward he was approached by a miser- 
able miscreant named Charles Jules Guiteau, who, unperceived, 
came within a few feet of the company, drew a pistol, and fired 
upon the Chief Magistrate. The aim of the assassin was too well 
taken, and the first shot struck the President in the back, inflict- 
ing a dreadful wound. The bleeding chieftain was borne away to 
the executive mansion, and the wretch who had committed the 
crime was hurried to prison. 

7. For a week or two the hearts of the American people vibrated 
between hope and fear. The best surgical aid was procured, and 
bulletins were daily issued containing a brief outline of the Presi- 
dent's condition. The conviction grew day by day that he Avould 
ultimately recover. Two surgical operations were performed with 
a view of improving his chances for life ; but a series of relapses 



ADMINISTRATIONS OF GARFIELD AND ARTHUR. 365 

occurred, and the President gradually weakened under his suffer- 
ings. As a last hope he was, on the 6th of September, carefully 
conveyed from Washington City to Elberon, where he was placed 
in a cottage only a few yards from the surf. Here, for a brief 
period, hope again revived ; but the symptoms were aggravated at 
intervals, and the patient sank day by day. 

8. At half past ten on the evening of September 19th, the anui 
versary of the battle of Chickamauga, his vital powers suddenly 
gave way, and in a few moments death closed the scene. For eighty 
days he had borne the pain and anguish of his situation with a 
fortitude and heroism rarely witnessed among men. The dark 
shadow of the crime which had laid him low heightened the luster 
and glory of his great and exemplary life. 

9. On the day following this deplorable event Vice-President 
Arthur took the oath of office in New York, and repaired to Wash- 
ington. The hearts of the people, however, clung for a time to 
the dead rather than to the living President. The funeral of 
Garfield was observed first of all at Washington, whither the body 
was taken and placed in the rotunda of the Capitol. Here it was 
viewed by tens of thousands of people during the 22d and 23d of 
September. In his life-time the illustrious dead had chosen, as his 
l^lace of burial, Lakeview Cemetery, at Cleveland, Ohio, and 
thither, on the 24th of the month, the remains were conveyed by 
way of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. As in the case of the dead 
Lincoln, the funeral processions and ceremonies were a pageant, 
exhibiting everywhere the loyal respect and love of the American 
people for him who had so lately been their pride. On the 26th 
of September his body was laid in its final resting-place. 

10. Chester A. Arthur was born in Vernon, Franklin County, 
Vermont, October 5, 1830. He is of Irish descent, and was edu- 
cated at Union College, from which institution he was graduated 
in 1849. For awhile he taught school in his native State, and 
then came to New York City to study law. During the civil war 
he was Quartermaster-General of the State of New York, a very 
important and trying office. After 1865 he returned to the prac- 
tice of law, and was in 1871 appointed Collector of Customs for 
the port of New York. Tliis position he held until July, 1878, 



366 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

when he was removed by President Hayes. Again he returned to 
his law practice, but was soon called by the voice of his party to 
be a standard bearer in the Presidential canvass of 1880. 

11, The assumption of the duties of his high office by President 
Arthur was attended with but little ceremony. On the 22d of 
September, the oath of office was again administered to him, in 
the Vice-President's room in the Capitol. After this he delivered 
a brief and appropriate address, referring in a touching manner to 
the death of his predecessor. Those present — including General 
Grant, ex-President Hayes, Senator Sherman, and General Sher- 
man, the head of the army — then paid their respects, and the 
ceremony was at an end. 

12. In accordance with custom, the members of the Cabinet 
immediately tendered their resignations. These were not at once 
accepted, the President, instead, inviting all the members to retain 
their places. For the time all did so, except Mr. Windom, Sec- 
retary of the Treasury, wdio was succeeded by Judge Charles J. 
Folger, of New York. Mr. MacVeagh, the Attorney-General, 
also resigned a short time afterwards, and the President appointed 
as his successor Hon. Benjamin H. Brewster, of Philadelphia. The 
next to retire from the Garfield Cabinet were Mr. Blaine, Secre- 
tary of State, and Mr. James, Postmaster-General, Avho were 
succeeded in their respective offices by Hon. F. T. Frelinghuysen, 
of New Jersey, and Hon. Timothy O. Howe, of Wisconsin. The 
people generally, without respect to party lines, were well pleased 
with the spirit of him who had so suddenly 'been called to the 
chief magistracy of the Union. 

13. One of the most striking features of our times is the rapid 
progress in the practical application of science. In no former age 
has the knowledge of nature's laws been so rapidly diffnsed. As 
a result of this, the means of physical comfort have been greatly 
increased. The new life of mankind is, in a large measure, based 
on science; and, in proportion as the laws of the natural world are 
discovered and applied, it is found that mankind are great and 
free and happy. 

14, One of the best examples of the application of scientific 
discovery to the affiiirs of everyday life is that of the Telephone. 



ADMINISTRATIONS OF GARFIELD AND ARTHUR. 367 

It has remained for our day to discover the possibility of trans- 
mitting or rejiroducing the human voice at a distance of hundreds 
or even thousands of miles. By means of a simple contrivance, a 
person in one part of the country is able to converse with friends 
in another part, as if face to face. The invention of this wonder- 
ful instrument is to be credited to Professor A. Graham Bell, 
3f Massachusetts, and Elisha P. Gray, of Chicago. It should be 
mentioned, also, that Professor A. C. Dolbear, of Tufts College, 
and the great inventor, Thomas A. Edison, have succeeded in 
the production of telephonic instruments. 

15. Another recent invention is the PnoNOGRArH. It ^s the 
nature of the phonograph to receive and retain the wave-lines and 
figures of sound, Avhether of the human voice or some other, and 
by an ingenious contrivance to reproduce those sounds as if they 
were the original utterance. It is to be regretted that thus far 
the phonograph has proved to be of little or no practical utility. 

16. But perhaps the greatest invention of the age is the Elec- 
tric Light. About 1870 it was first proposed to use electricity 
for practical illumination. Long before this time the possibility 
of electric lighting had been shown- by the philosopher Gramme, 
of Paris. About the same time, the Russian scientist Jablokoff 
also succeeded in converting electricity into light. It remained, 
however, for the great American inventor, Thomas A. Edison, to 
remove the diflficulties in the way of electric lighting, and to make 
the invention practical. The systems produced by him and others 
have been sufficiently tested to demonstrate that the old methods 
of illumination must soon be displaced by the electric light. 

17. The last years in the history of our country have been 
noted for the number and character of the Great Public Works 
which have been projected or brought to completion within a 
limited period. Chief among these may be mentioned the great 
East River Bridge, joining New York with Brooklyn. This 
structure is the largest of the kind in the world, being a suspen- 
sion bridge, with a total length of 5,989 feet. The span from pier 
to pier is 1,595 feet; and the estimated capacity of resistance is 
49,200 tons. The engineer under whose direction the great bridge 
was constructed was Mr. John A. Roebling, who may properly be 



868 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

regarded as the originator of wire suspension bridges. Though he 
himself did not live to see the completion of the work which he 
had i^lanned, the same was taken up and finished by his son, 
Washington A. Roebling, scarcely less noted than his father. 

18. The administration of President Arthur proved to be un- 
eventful. The government j)ursued the even tenor of its way, 
and the progress of the country was unchecked by calamity. In 
politics there was a gradual obliteration of those sharply defined 
issues which for a quarter of a century had divided the two great 
parties. Partisan animosity in some measure abated, and it was 
with difficulty that the managers were able to direct the people in 
the political contest of 1884. The issue most clearly defined was 
that of tarifi^ and free trade, and even this, when much discussed, 
tended to break up both the existing political organizations. The 
usual agitation of the people, however, relative to the Presidency, 
began at an early date of Arthur's administration. Hardly had 
the crime of Garfield's murder been committed, until the question 
of Arthur's successor was raised by the politicians. 

19. During the year 1883 many distinguished men were named 
for the presidential office. The first national convention was that 
of the Greenback-Labor party, held at Indianapolis, in April of 
1884. By this party. General Benjamin F. Butler, of Massa- 
chusetts, and Hon. A. N. West, of Texas, were put in nomina- 
tion. The Republican convention met on the 3d of June, in 
Chicago, and, after a session of three days, closed its labors by 
the nomination of James G. Blaine, of Maine, and General John 
A. Logan, of Illinois. The Democratic convention met in the 
same city, on the 9th of July, and chose for its standard-bearers 
Grover Cleveland, of New York, and Thomas A. Hendricks, of 
Tiidiana. These nominations were received with much favor by 
the respective parties, but strong factions in both the Republican 
and Democratic organizations resented the w^ork of the conven- 
tions. The result showed that the Democratic party had drawn 
to its banners a majority of the American people. Cleveland 
and Hendricks were elected, receiving 219 ballots in the Elec- 
toral College, against 182 votes which were cast for Blaine and 
Logan. 



ADMINISTRATIONS OF GARFIELD AND ARTHUR. 369 

20. In the last year of Arthur's administration the command 
of the army of the United States was transferred from General 
William T. Sherman to General Philip H. Sheridan. The former 
eminent soldier, having reached the age at which according to Act 
of Congress he might retire from active service, availed himself 
of the provision, and laid down the command which he had so 
long and honorably held. Nor could it be said that the new 
General, to whom the command of the American army was now 
given, was less a patriot and soldier than his eminent predecessor. 

21. The recurrence of the birthday of Washington, 1885, was 
noted for the completion of the great monument erected at the 
Capital in honor of the Father of his Country. The cost of the 
completed structure was about $1,500,000. The shaft of the 
monument, exclusive of the foundation, is 555 feet in height, 
being 30 feet higher than the Cathedral of Cologne, and 75 feet 
higher than the pyramid of Cheops. The structure is composed 
of more than 18,000 blocks of stone. One hundred and eighty- 
five memorial stones are set at difl^erent places in the monument. 
The dedication occurred on the 21st of February, 1885. The 
ceremonies were of a most imposing character. A procession of 
more than 6,000 persons passed from the site of the monument 
along Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol, while salutes were 
fired from the batteries of the navy yard. The exercises were 
concluded in the hall of the House of Representatives, where a 
great throng had assembled to do honor to the memory of him 
who was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of 
his fellow-citizens." 



Sketch of President Garfield.— His inaugural and cabinet.— Dissensions in the 
Republican party.— The break in New York.— The President is assassinated.— 
His sufferings and death.— The accession of Arthur.— Sketch of his life.— Cabinet 
changes.— Rapid progress oi scientific discovery.— The telephone.— The phono- 
graph.— The electric light.— Great public works.— The East River bridge.— 
Arthur's administration uneventful.— Party questions of 188A.— The tariff" issue. 
—Nominations for the presidency.— Election of Cleveland and Hendricks.— 
Transfer of the command of the army.— Completion of the Washington Monu- 
ment. 



370 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER LXIX. 



CLEVELAND'S ADMINISTRATION, 1885-1889. 



G ROVER CLEVELAND, twenty-second President of the United 
States, was born in Cald^fe}!, New Jersey, March 18th, 1837. 

With his father 
he removed in 
1840 to Fayette- 
ville. New York. 
Here the youth 
grew to man- 
hood. His edu- 
cation was ob- 
tained in the 
common schools 
and academies 
of the neighbor- 
hood. In 1857 
he removed to 
New York City, 
and became a 
student of law. 
In 1859 he was 
admitted to the 
bar, and four 
years afterwards 
was appointed 
assistant district 

attorney for Erie County. In 1869 he was elected sheriff of the 
same county, and in 1881 he was chosen mayor of Buffalo. In 
1882 he was elected governor of New York, receiving for that 







G ROVER CLEVELAND. 



CLEVELAND'S ADMINISTRATION, 371 

office a plurality of more than 190,000 votes. Before his term 
of office had expired, he was elected to the presidency. 

2. On the day following his inauguration. President Cleveland 
sent to the Senate the names of those whom he had selected for 
places in his cabinet. The nominations were as follows: for sec- 
retary of state, Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; for secretary of 
the treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York ; for secretary of the 
interior, Lucius Q. C. Lamar, of Mississippi ; for secretary of war, 
William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts ; for secretary of the navy, 
William C. Whitney, of New York ; for postmaster-general, Wil- 
liam F. Vilas, of Wisconsin ; for attorney-general, Augustus H. 
Garland, of Arkansas. 

3. The last months of Arthur's and the first of Cleveland's ad- 
ministration were noted for The International Cotton Expo- 
sition, at New Orleans. This, after the Centennial Exposition 
of 1876, was the greatest display of the kind ever held in the 
United States. The Exposition extended from December of 1884 
to June of 1885. 

4. The first year of Cleveland's administration was uneventful. 
The great question before the President was that of the Reform 
of the Civil Service. In attempting to substitute a new series 
of rules for appointment to office, by which the persons appointed 
should be selected rather for their fitness than for their party ser- 
vices, the President was greatly embarrassed, and it was found 
that a reform was almost impossible under •existing conditions. 

5. Great Labor Agitations broke out in the spring of 1886. 
It had been hoped that such a disturbance would never occur in 
America. The first difficulties of this sort in our country appeared 
in the mining regions, and in the factories of the Eastern States. 
The agitation soon spread to the West. As early as 1867 the 
peculiar method of action called "striking," began among the 
laborers of the country. An account of the great railroad strike 
of 1877 has already been presented (pp. 354, 355). 

6. From 1883 to 1886 a series of bad crops brought on a revival 
of the labor troubles. In the meantime a large mass of ignorant 
foreign labor had been imported into the United States. The 
manufactories and workshops were filled with the worst ele- 



372 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ments from several European kingdoms. The classes thus brought 
in were un-American in every respect. Communistic theories of 
society and anarchistic views of government began to clash with the 
more sober Republican opinions and practices of the people. 

7. The first serious conflict was on what is known as the Gould 
System of Railways in the South-west. A single workman, be- 
longing to the Knights of Labor, and employed on a branch of 
the Texas and Pacific Railway, was discharged from his place. 
This action was resented by the Knights, and the laborers on a 
great part of the Gould System were ordered to strike, and the 
transportation of freights from St. Louis to the South-west, ceased. 
Gradually, however, other workmen were substituted for the strik- 
ing Knights ; but the end was not reached until a severe riot in 
East St. Louis had occasioned the sacrifice of much property and 
several innocent lives. 

8. Far more alarming was the outbreak in Chicago. In that 
city the socialistic and anarchistic elements were suflficiently power- 
ful to present a bold front to the authorities. On the 4th of May, 
1886, a vast crowd of this reckless material collected in a place 
called the Haymarket, and were about to begin the usual inflam- 
matory proceedings, when a band of policemen drew near, with the 
evident purpose of dispersing the meeting. 

9. A terrible scene . ensued. Dynamite bombs were thrown 
from the crowd and exploded among the officers, several of whom 
were blown to pieces, and others shockingly mangled. The mob 
was, in turn, attacked by the police, and many of the insurgents 
were shot down. Order was presently restored in the city ; several 
of the leading anarchists were arrested on the charge of inciting to 
murder, were tried, convicted, and four of them executed. On 
the day following the Chicago riot, a similar outbreak occurred in 
Milwaukee ; but in that city the insurrectionary movement was 
suppressed without serious loss of life. 

10. The summer of 1886 is memorable on account of the great 
Charleston Earthquake. On the night of the 31st of August 
it was discovered at Washington city, and at several other points, 
that communications with Charleston, South Carolina, were sud- 
denly cut off'. In a few minutes it was found that no telegraphic 



CLEVELAND'S ADMINISTRA TION. 373 

despatches from any side could reach Charleston, and it was at once 
suspected that that city had suffered from some disaster. The 
result verified the worst apprehensions. Without a moment's warn- 
mg, the city had been rocked and rent to its very foundations 
Hardly a building in the limits of Charleston, or in the country 
surrounding, had escaped serious injury ; and perhaps one-half of 
all were in a state of semi-wreck or total ruin. 

11. The people in the city fled from their falling houses to the 
public squares and parks, and far into the country. Afraid to 
return into the ruins, they pitched tents or built light booths for 
protection, and abode for weeks away from their homes. The con- 
vulsion was by far the greatest that this continent has experienced 
within the historical epoch. Nothing before within our knowl- 
edge had been comparable with it in extent and violence, except 
the great earthquake of New Madrid, in 1811. 

12. On the 4th of March, 1887, the second session of the Forty- 
ninth Congress expired. The work of the body had not been so 
fruitful of results as had been desired and anticipated by the friends 
of the government. On the question of the tariff nothing of value 
was accomplished. A measure of Eevenue Reform had been 
brought forward at an early date in the session, but, owing to the 
opposition of one wing of the Democratic party and the antago- 
nism of the Republican majority in the Senate, the act failed of 
adoption, 

13. On the question of Extending the Pension List, however, 
the case was different. A great majority of both parties favored 
such measures as looked tQ the increase of benefits to the soldiers. 
At the first, only a limited number of pensions had been granted, 
and these only to actually disabled or injured veterans of the War 
for the Union. The Arrears of Pensions Act, making up to 
those who were already recipients of pensions such amouirts as 
would have accrued if the benefit had dated from the time of dis- 
ability, instead of from the time of granting the pension, was 
passed in 1879 ; and at the same time the list of pensioners was 
greatly enlarged. 

14. The measure presented in the Fiftieth Congress was designed 
to extend the pension list so as to include all regularly enlisted and 



374 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

honorably discharged soldiers of the Civil War who had become in 
whole or in part dependent iipoyi the aid of others for their mainte- 
nance. The measure was known as the Dependent Pensions 
Bill. Many opposed the enactment of a law which appeared to 
give the bounty of the government to the deserving and the unde- 
serving alike ; but a majority was easily obtained for the measure 
in both Houses of Congress, and the act was passed. President 
Cleveland, however, interposed his veto, and the proposed law fell 
to the ground. 

15. The most important and noted legislation of the session was 
the act known as the Inter-State Commerce Bill. It provided 
that all freight carriage across State lines within the Union for all 
distances, and between all places, and under substantially the same 
conditions, should be at the same rate per hundred, and that pas- 
senger fares should be uniform for all persons. 

16. The sessions of Congress from 1885 to 1888 were noted 
for the excessive number of Private Pension Bills which were 
passed. Many of these were doubtless devoid of merit. The 
President, in the exercise of his prerogative, vetoed such bills as 
he thought ill-advised, or against the public interest. In a number 
of his veto messages he made such references to the character of 
the bills, and to the un worthiness of the applications, as to furnish 
occasion for much bitter comment on his course. 

17. This period is noted for a revival of Interest in the Civil 
War. The memory of that conflict has been preserved in a series 
of publications by some of the leading participants. This work, 
so important to the right understanding^ of the great struggle for 
and against the Union, was undertaken by General William T. 
Sherman, who, in 1875, published his Memoirs^ narrating the story 
of that part of the war in which he had been a leader. This had 
been preceded by the history of the War betiveen the States, by Alex- 
ander H. Stephens, late Vice-President of the Confederacy. In 
1884 General Grant began the publication of war articles in the 
Century Magazine, which attracted universal attention, and which led 
to the preparation and publication of his Memmrs, in 1885-86. 
Similar contributions have been published by Generals George B. 
McClellan, John A. Logan, and Philip H. Sheridan. 



CLEVELAND'S ADMINISTRATION. 375 

18. Still another circumstance relating to the Rebellion belongs 
to this period ; namely, the death, within a limited time, of nearly 
all the great leaders in the Civil War. In the spring of 1885 it 
became known that General Ulysses 8. Grant was stricken with a 
fatal malady. The announcement at once drew to the General 
and ex-President the interest and sympathies of the whole American 
people. The hero of Vicksburg and Appomattox sank under the 
ravages of a malignant cancer, which had fixed itself in his throat. 
On the 23d of July, 1885, he expired at a summer cottage on 
Mount McGregor, New York. His last days were hallowed by 
the love of the nation which he had so gloriously defended. No 
funeral west of the Atlantic — not even that of Lincoln — was more 
universally observed. The procession in New York City was per- 
haps as imposing a pageant as was ever exhibited in honor of the 
dead. On the 8th of August, the body of General Grant was 
laid to rest in Riverside Park, overlooking the Hudson. 

19. Within less than three months from the funeral of Grant, 
another distinguished Union general fell. On the 29th of October, 
General George B. McClellan, first commander of the Army of the 
Potomac, at one time general-in-chief, subsequently Democratic 
candidate for the presidency, ^ and at a later period governor of 
New Jersey, died at his home at St. Cloud, in that State. His 
conspicuous part during the first two years of the Civil War, his 
abilities as a soldier and as a citizen, and his unblemished char- 
acter as a man, combined to heighten the estimate of his life, both 
public and private. After another brief interval, a third great 
military leader fell, in the person of General Winfield S. Hancock, 
senior major-general of the American army. During the war 
he had won for himself the title, ''Hero of Gettysburg." After- 
wards, in 1880, he was the Democratic candidate for the presidency 
against General Garfield. In the meantime, within a brief period, 
Generals Irwin McDowell, Ambrose E. Burnside, Joseph Hooker, 
and George G. Meade, each of whom, in a critical period of the 
war, had commanded the Army of the Potomac, passed away. 

20. Before the close of 1886 Major-General John A. Logan, 
greatest of the volunteer commanders who, without previous mili^ 
tary education, won for themselves distinguished honors in the War 



376 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

for the Union, fell sick and died at his home in Washington city. 
At the outbreak of the war he had resigned his seat in Congress, 
and joined the first advance of the Union army. Subsequently, 
he had risen to the place of United States senator from Illinois, and 
in 1884 was the Republican candidate for the vice-presidency. 

21. In the meantime, several distinguished civilians had passed 
away. On the 25th of November, 1885, Vice-President Thomas 
A. Hendricks, after what was supposed to be a trifling illness of 
a single day, died suddenly at his home in Indianapolis. His life 
had been one of singular purity, and the amenities of his character 
were conspicuous in the stormy arena of American politics. His 
death was soon followed by that of Horatio Seymour, of New York. 
On the 12th of February, 1886, this distinguished citizen, who had 
been governor of the Empire State, and a candidate for the pres- 
idency against General Grant, died at his home in Utica. Still 
more distinguished in reputation and ability was Samuel J. Tilden, 
also of New York, who died at his home in Yonkers, near New 
York City, on the 4th of August, 1886. 

22. To this list of deaths must be added the illustrious name 
of Henry Ward Beecher. To hira, with little reservation, must 
be assigned the first place among our orators and philanthropists. 
He had the happy fortune to retain his faculties unimpaired 
to the close of his career. On the evening of the 5th of March, 
1887, at his home in Brooklyn, he sank down under a stroke 
of apoplexy. He was nearing the close of his seventy-fourth 
year. He lived until the morning of the 8th, and quietly en- 
tered the shadows. He was followed to the grave by the com- 
mon eulogium of mankind, and every circumstance of his passing 
away showed that he had occupied the supreme place among men 
of his class in America. 

23. On the 18th of April, 1888, in New York City, Roscoe 
Conkling, ex-senator of the United States, died after a brief and 
painful illness. He had reached the age of fifty-nine years. Few 
paen in America have led a more stormy career. During six years 
of service in the House of Representatives, and afterwards in the 
Senate of the United States, he sought and won leadership by con- 
stant battle, contention, and antagonism. Twice was he re-elected 



CLEVELAND'S ADMINISTRATION. ' 377 

senator of the United States. After the accession of Garfield to 
the presidency, he broke with the administration, and suddenly 
resigned from the Senate. For many years he was the rival of 
Mr. Blaine in the leadership of the Republican party. 

24. On the 23d of March, 1888, Morrison R. Waite, chief- 
justice of the United States, died at his home in Washington city. 
The event justifies a few paragraphs relative to the history of the 
great tribunal over which Judge Waite presided during the last 
fourteen years of his life. The Supreme Court was first instituted 
by the appointment of John Jay as chief-justice, who held the 
office until 1794, when John Rutledge was nominated, but he was 
not confirmed, and in 1796 the place was given to Oliver Ells- 
worth. The latter presided over the Court until, in 1800, the in- 
firmities of age compelled his resignation. Then came the long 
and honorable ascendency of Chief- Justice John Marshall, who 
held the office from his appointment, in 1801, to his death, in 1835. 
From 1835 to 1837 there was a vacancy in the chief-justiceship, 
occasioned by the disagreement of President Jackson and the Sen- 
ate of the United States ; but at the latter date the President 
secured the confirmation of Judge Roger B. Taney as chief-justice, 
who entered upon his long term of twenty-seven years. 

25. At the death of Chief- Justice Taney, in 1864, President 
Lincoln appointed as his successor Salmon P. Chase, recently sec- 
retary of the treasury. His official term extended to his death, in 
1873, and covered the period when the important issues arising 
from the Civil War were under adjudication. To Chief-Justice 
Chase fell, also, by virtue of his office, the duty of presiding at 
the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson. In 1874 the 
appointment of Morrison R. Waite as chief-justice was made by 
President Grant ; and on the death of this able jurist the duty of 
naming his successor devolved on President Cleveland. Judge 
Melville W. Fuller, of Chicago, was appointed, and confirmed on 
the 30th of April, 1888. 

26. During the whoie of Cleveland's administration, the public 
mind was swayed and excited by the movements of politics. The 
echoes of the election of 1884 had not died away before the rising 
murmur of that of 1888 was heard. One issue had a living and 



378 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

practical relation to affairs, and that was the question of Protec- 
tion TO American Industry. Since the campaign of 1884, the 
agitation had been gradually extended. At the opening of the 
session, in 1887, the President, in his annual message to Congress, 
devoted the whole document to the discussion of the single question 
of a Reform of the Revenue System of the United States. The ex- 
isting rates of duty on imported articles of commerce had so greatly 
augmented the income of the government, that a large surplus had 
accumulated in the National treasury. This fact was made the 
basis of the President's argument in favor of a new system of 
revenue, or at least an ample reduction in the tariff rates under 
the old. 

27. The Democratic National Convention was held in St. Louis 
on the 5th day of June, 1888, and Mr. Cleveland was re-nominated 
by acclamation. For the vice-presidential nomination there was a 
considerable contest ; but, after some balloting, the choice fell on 
ex-Senator Allen G. Thurman, of Ohio. The Republican National 
Convention was held in Chicago, on the 19th day of June. It was 
believed, up to the time of the Convention, that Mr. Blaine would 
be again nominated for the presidency. But the antagonisms 
which that statesman had awakened in his own party made it im- 
prudent to bring him forward again as the nominee. His name 
was accordingly not presented to the Convention. On the eighth 
ballot Benjamin Harrison, of Indiana, was nominated. In the 
evening, Levi P. Morton, of New York, was nominated for the 
vice-presidency on the first ballot. In the meantime, the Prohibi- 
tion party had held its National Convention at Indianapolis, and 
on the 80th of May had nominated for the presidency General 
Clinton B. Fisk, of New Jersey, and for the vice-presidency John 
A. Brooks, of Missouri. 

28. The Democratic platform declared for a reform of the rev- 
enue system of the United States, and re-affirmed the principle of 
adjusting the tariff on imports with strict regard to the actual needs 
of governmental expenditure. The Republican platform declared 
also for a reform of the tariff schedule, but at the same time stoutly 
affirmed the maintenance of the protective system as such, as a part 
of the permanent policy of the United States. Both jjarties de- 



CLEVELAND'S ADMINISTRATION. 379 

ferred to the patriotic sentiment of the country in favor of the 
soldiers. The Prohibitionists entered the campaign on the distinct 
proposition that the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors 
should be prohibited throughout the United States, by constitu- 
tional amendment. To this was added a clause in favor of ex- 
tending the right of suffrage to women. 

29. As the canvass progressed during the summer and autumn 
of 1888, it became evident that the contest would be exceed- 
ingly close. As in 1880 and 1884, the critical States were New 
York, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Indiana. In all of the 
other Northern States the Republicans were almost certain to 
win, while the Democrats were equally certain of success in all 
the South. The results showed success for the Republican candi- 
date. He received 233 electoral votes, against 168 votes for Mr. 
Cleveland. The latter, however, appeared to a better advantage 
on the popular count, having a considerable majority over General 
Harrison. 

30. The last days of Cleveland's administration and of the Fif- 
tieth Congress were signalized by the admission into the Union 
of Four New States, making the number forty-two. Since the 
incoming of Colorado, in 1876, no State had been added to the 
Republic. Meanwhile the tremendous tides of population had con- 
tinued to flow to the West and North-west, rapidly filling up the 
great Territories. Of these the greatest was Dakota, with its area 
of 148,445 square miles. The question of dividing the Territory 
by a line running east and west had been agitated, and the 
measure finally prevailed. Steps were taken by the people of both 
sections for admission into the Union. Montana, with her 146,080 
square miles of territory, had meanwhile acquired a sufiicient pop- 
ulation ; and Washington Territory, with its area of 69,180 square 
miles, also knocked for admission. In the closing days of the Fif- 
tieth Congress a bill was passed raising all of these four Territo- 
ries — South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Washington— 
to the plane of statehood. The Act contemplated the adoption of 
State Constitutions, and a proclamation of admission by the next 
President. 

31. Another Act of Congress was also of national importance. 



380 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Hitherto the government had been administered through seven 
departments, at the head of each of which was placed a cabinet 
officer, the seven together constituting the advisers of the Presi- 
dent. No provision for such an arrangement exists in the Con- 
stitution of the United States ; but the statutes of the Nation pro- 
vide for such a system. Early in 1889, a measure was brought 
forward in Congress and adopted, for the institution of a new de- 
partment, to be called the Department of Agriculture. Practically 
the measure involved the elevation of what had previously been 
an Agricultural Bureau in the Department of the Interior, to the 
rank of a cabinet office. 



ItEC-A.I=ITTJL.A.m02Sr. 

Sketch ol President Cleveland.— His cabinet.— International Cotton Exposi- 
tiou.— Civil service reform.— Labor agitations.— Charleston earthquake.— Pen- 
sions.— Inter-State Commerce Eill.— Death-roll of eminent men.— Admission of 
new States.— A new cabinet office. 



CHAPTER LXX. 

HARRISON'S ADMINISTRATION, 1889-1893. 

BENJAMIN HARRISON, twenty-third President of the United 
States, was born at North Bend, Ohio, on the 20th of August, 
1833. He is the son of John Scott Harrison, a prominent citizen 
of his native State ; grandson of President William Henry Har- 
rison ; great-grandson of Benjamin Harrison, signer of the Decla- 
ration of Independence. In countries where attention is paid to 
honorable lineage, the circumstances of General Harrison's descent 
would be considered of much importance ; but in America little at- 
tention is paid to one's ancestry, and more to himself. 

2. In early life Harrison was a student at the Farmers' College, 



HARRISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 



381 



Ohio, and was graduated from Miami University in 1852. He 
became a lawyer by profession, and established himself in Indian- 
apolis. In the War for the Union he rose to a brigadier-generalship, 
and, while still in the field, was elected reporter of the Supreme 
Court of Indiana. Afterwards he rose to distinction. In 1876 he 
was a candidate for governor of Indiana, and five years afterwards 
was elected to the 
Senate of the 
United States. In 
1884 he w as a 
candidate for the 
presidential nomi- 
nation, which he 
received in 1888, 
and was elected. 

3. In his inau- 
gural address, 
General Harrison 
set forth the policy 
which he should 
favor as the chief 
executive, recom- 
mending the same 
general measures 
which the Repub- 
lican party had 
advocated during 
the campaign. On the day following, he sent in the nominations 
for his cabinet officers as follows : for secretary of state, James G. 
Blaine, of Maine; for secretary of the treasury, AVilliam Windom, 
of Minnesota ; for secretary of war, Redfield Proctor, of Vermont ; 
for secretary of the navy, Benjamin F. Tracy, of New York ; for 
postmaster-general, John Wanamaker, of Pennsylvania; for sec- 
retary of the interior, John W. Noble, of Missouri ; for attorney- 
general, William H. H. Miller, of Indiana; and for secretary of 
agriculture — the new department — Jeremiah Rusk, of Wisconsin. 
These appointments were immediately confirmed by the Senate, and 




BENJAMIN HARRISON. 



382 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the members of the new administration assumed their respective 
official duties. 

4r. Within two months after Harrison's inauguration, occurred the 
Centennial of the American Republic. The government of the 
United States had been instituted in New York in 1789, and on 
the 30th of April, in that year, Washington had been inaugurated 
as first President of the United States. The project of celebrating 
the hundredth anniversary of the government originated in the 
New York Historical Society. It was decided that the com- 
memorative exercises should consist of an imitation of the inaugu- 
ration of Washington, and of great national parades in New York 
City. The inauguration of Washington was commemorated on the 
site of the old Federal Hall in Wall Street, where the first Con- 
gress of the United States had assembled. Orations were delivered 
by Chauncey M. Depew and President Harrison, and a poem was 
read, composed by John G. Whittier for the occasion. On the next 
day occurred the great military procession. The organizations in 
line, under command of Major-General Schofield, numbered more 
than fifty thousand men. 

5. On the following day occurred the civic parade. The primi- 
tive life of Manhattan Island, the exploits of the early explorers 
and discoverers along the American coast, the striking incidents in 
the early annals of the Old Thirteen States, were exhibited in 
allegory on chariots drawn through the streets. The old heroes 
of American history from Columbus to Peter Stuyvesant were 
represented, and received the applause of the multitudes. 

6. In the winter of 1888-89 a dangerous complication arose 
between the United States and the German Empire. The difficulty 
was about the Samoan Islands. The civil affairs of Samoa were 
disturbed by a revolution led by a chieftain called Tamasese. The 
King of Samoa, named Malietoa, was overthrown, and Apia, the 
capital, was taken by rebels. In this revolution the German con- 
sul-general in Samoa favored the rebel party, and the representa- 
tive of the United States favored the native sovereign. German 
men-of-war took part in the conflict of the natives, and a part of 
the American navy was sent to the harbor of Apia to uphold the 
party of King Malietoa. 



HARRISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 333 

7. It seemed that war would break out between the American 
and German vessels, but before violence was done by man a hurri- 
cane struck the two navies and destroyed them almost to the last 
ship. England now took part with the United States, and 
American ambassadors were sent to Berlin to represent our country 
in the dispute. The difficulty ended with the restoration of King 
Malietoa, and in justification of the course taken by our govern- 
ment. 

8. The last week of May, 1889, was memorable in the history of 
our country for the Destkuction of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. 
That city lay at the junction of a stream, called the South Fork, 
with the Conemaugh Kiver. Several miles up the South Fork was 
a dam, above which an immense volume of water had accumulated 
high above the level of the city. On the afternoon of the 31st of 
the month, the dam burst, and a deluge of waters poured sud- 
denly down the valley. 

Everything was swept away by the flood. Johnstown was totally 
wrecked, and thrown, in an indescribable heap of horror, against the 
viaduct of the Pennsylvania Railway, below the town. Here the 
ruins caught fire, and the wild shrieks of hundreds of miserable 
victims Avere heard above the roar of the deluge and the con- 
flagration. The heart of the nation responded quickly to the 
sufferings of the people, and millions of dollars in money and 
supplies were sent to relieve the necessities of those who survived 
the calamity. 

9. In October, 1889, an International American Congress 
was held in Washington city. It was popularly known as the Pan- 
American Congress. The meeting was brought about through the 
influence of James G. Blaine, secretary of state, who had held the 
same office under Garfield. Representatives of *nine of the Spanish- 
American and Portuguese- American States attended the Conference. 
The meetings of the body were of great interest ; and the results 
of the meeting were favorable to commercial interests throughout 
the world. 

10, In November of the same year an International Maritime 
Conference was held in Washington. Twenty-six nations sent, 
their delegates to consider the possibility of making uniform rules 



384 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

aud regulations for ships at sea, and for the establishment of a 
common system of marine signals. The results of the discussions 
were encouraging, not only to our government, but to all the 
countries whose interests were involved. 

11. The proceedings of the Fifty-first Congress were marked 
with much partisan bitterness and excitement. The first question 
which occupied the attention of that body was the revision of the 
tarifl?! The Civil War in the United States brought about a con- 
dition which entailed the tariflf issue on the rest of the century. 
As a result of the tariflf, a great sum of money had accumulated in 
the treasury of the United States. This money was a source of 
corruption, and aflfected the volume of currency. President Cleve- 
land based his celebrated annual message of 1887 on these facts, 
and asked Congress to reform the tariflf. 

The Republican party in 1888 declared also for a revision op 
THE TARIFF, but the rcvisiou advocated by that party looked to the 
increase as well as to the reduction of duties. In the House of 
Representatives a bill was passed known as the McKinley Bill, 
from the name of its author, by which the duty on common sugar 
was abolished, but at the same time the average duty on the 
majority of other protected articles was advanced from forty -seven 
per cent to more than fifty-three per cent. 

12. During the same session of Congress serious difiiculties arose 
between the Democratic minority in the House of Representatives 
and the Republican majority under the leadership of the Speaker, 
Thomas B. Reed, of Maine. In order to prevent the results of 
partisan legislation, the minority had adopted the policy of re- 
fusing to vote, thereby breaking the quorum of the House. A 
NEW System of Rules, however, was adopted, by which the 
Speaker was authorized to count the minority as present, whether 
voting or not voting. He was thus enabled to compel a quorum 
suflficient for the transaction of business. 

13. Another important question before the Fifty-first Congress 
was that of Restoring Silver to a perfect equality with gold in the 
coinage of the United States. Since 1874 there had been a great 
departure in the market values of gold and silver bullion, though 
the purchasing power of the two metals had been kept equal, when 



HARRISON'S ADMINISTRATION, 385 

the same were coined under the provision of legal tender. The 
question was, whether the old bi-metallic system of the United 
States should be preserved, or whether silver should be rejected as 
a money metal, and the people obliged to transact all business on 
the basis of the gold coin only. 

After long debates, a bill was passed providing for the purchase 
(but not for the coinage) of four and one-half million ounces of 
silver monthly by the treasury of the United States; and the 
payment therefor in certificates having the form and functions of 
money, and redeemable in either gold or silver. This act continued 
in force for several years, and the result was the issue of a large 
amount of paper money based on the silver purchased by the gov- 
ernment, but not coined. It was this question which was carried 
over to the Fifty-third Congress and made the ground for calling 
the special session of that body, in August of 1893. 

14. In addition to the admission of four new States, in 1888-89, 
the Fifty-first Congress passed the necessary acts for the organization 
of two additional members of the Union; namely, Idaho and 
Wyoming. These were destined to make the forty-third and forty- 
fourth States. Idaho, at the time of organization, contained a 
population of 84,385. Wyoming had a population of 60,705. The 
two new commonwealths were admitted on the 3d and 10th of 
July, respectively, in the year 1890. 

15. In June of the same year was taken the Eleventh decen- 
nial Census of the United States. Its results, so far as the same 
were compiled and published during Harrison's administration, in- 
dicated that the aggregate population of the country had increased 
to 62,622,250, exclusive of Indians not taxed and Whites in Alaska 
and the Indian Territory. These additions increased the grand 
total to about 63,000,000 souls. The centre of population in the 
United States had continued its progress westward, having removed 
during the ninth decade of the century from the vicinity of Cin- 
cinnati to a point near the hamlet of Westport, in Decatur County, 
Indiana. 

16. In February of 1891 a serious trouble occurred in the city 
of New Orleans, which for some time threatened to result in war 
between the United States and Italy. In that city existed a branch 



386 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

of the Italian secret society called the Mafia. The principles of 
the original organization included the law of revenge against its 
enemies. Several difficulties occurred between the members of the 
society and the police authorities of New Orleans, and at length 
Captain David C. Hennessey, chief of the police, was assassinated. 
A trial followed ; but the guilt of those who were arrested for the 
crime was not established. Hereupon a great excitement took pos- 
session of the city, and charges were made that the court and the 
jury had been bribed and terrorized into rendering a false verdict. 

17. This was followed by the rising of a great mob which threw 
itself against the prison where the Italians were confined ; and the 
latter, nine in number, were shot to death in the jail yard. Two 
others were dragged out and hanged. The slaughter was in- 
discriminate. It was found that at least two of the murdered 
Italians were subjects of the King of Italy. The governor of 
Louisiana virtually took the part of the mob. The Italian minister 
at Washington, Baron Fava, having first entered a solemn protest 
against the killing of his countrymen, was at his own request re- 
called. The matter was taken up in Italy ; military preparations 
were begun on both sides, and war was prevented only by the 
prudence and patience of the two governments and their repre- 
sentatives. 

18. The year 1891 was noted for a difficulty between the 
United States and Chili. In that Republic the Congressional 
party had revolted against President Balmaceda. The revolutionists 
sought to procure arms in the ports of California, and sent the 
steamer Itata to San Diego, to convey the arms to Chili. The vessel 
was warned by the authorities not to leave port ; but she slipped 
away, and was pursued by the American steamship Charleston. 
Though the Itata reached Chili, the authorities promptly surrendered 
both ship and arms. A few months later some sailors from the 
United States war-steamer Baltimore, then in the harbor of Val- 
paraiso, went ashore, and in the evening were assailed by a mob. 
Many among the number w^ere stabbed and beaten, and some died 
from their wounds. Our government made immediate demands for 
reparation ; and, after due investigation, an apology for the wrong 
done was sent to our government, and the affair ended peaceably. 



HARRISON'S ADMINISTRATION 387 

19. In the latter part of 1891 a very serious and alarming labor 
DIFFICULTY arose in western Pennsylvania. The operatives in the 
great iron and steel works at Homestead, near Pittsburg, quit work. 
They shut down the works and took possession of them, refusing to 
give place to such workmen as the managers could employ. The 
difficulty became alarming. The owners of the mills employed the 
Pinkerton Detective Agency to furnish a body of guards sufficient 
to take possession of their property. This was attempted in the 
night by strategy, but failed; a battle was fought at" the water's 
edge between the strikers and Pinkerton's men, and the latter 
were driven off, killed, or captured. The government of Pennsyl- 
vania was then invoked, and the Pennsylvania legion to the number 
of eight thousand was sent to the scene. The army encamped 
around Homestead and took possession of the works. These were 
held for several weeks and were turned over to their owners ; but 
the strikers kept their ground for a long time before the managers 
were able to resume successfully the manufacture of steel. 

20. An important controversy arose at this time between our 
country and Great Britain relative to the seal fisheeies in Ber- 
ing Sea. The dispute was not so immediately dangerous as that of 
the United States and Italy ; but it was much more important on 
account of the parties to the controversy. Great Britain and our 
country had agreed to remain forever at peace. That country had 
submitted to the payment of a great indemnity for her wrongs 
done in the time of our Civil War. More recently the United 
States had paid five and a half million dollars as the result of the 
Halifax fisheries' award. Should the two countries now go to war, 
the injury done to civilization could hardly be estimated. The 
controversy, however, was at length terminated by the appoint- 
ment of a Joint High Commission representing both governments. 
Two of the arbitrators were chosen by the President of the United 
States, two by the British government, and three others by the 
President of the French Republic, the King of Italy, and the King 
of Norway and Sweden, respectively. Able counsel was appointed 
for both nations, and the commission was convened in Paris in the 
spring of 1893. The decision of the tribunal, although technically 
adverse to the United States, was satisfactory to both nations, as is: 



388 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

provided for the protection of the seal. The decision of the 
question was not reached until August of 1893. 

21. About the middle of Harrison's administration the attention 
of our people was turned to the project of restoring American in- 
fluence on the high seas. The interest in this question was shown 
in the strengthening and improvement of the American navy, 
and in an effort to regain the carrying and passenger trade between 
Europe and the United States. It was hoped that American 
vessels might now recover at least a part of what seemed naturally 
to belong to this country ; namely, its commerce and travel by sea. 
In the first place, great outlays were made by congressional appro- 
priation for the building-up of a strong navy. A number of great 
war steamers were accordingly built and launched. Among these 
the greatest were the Indiana, the Chicago, and the war Monitor, 
Mlantonomah. By this means the navy was so strengthened as to 
make it able to compete with the navies of the European nations. 

22. More commendable than the building of the navy was the 
effort to regain rank and infiuence in communication and commerce 
on the Atlantic. During the year 1892 negotiations were made 
for the transfer of the American flag to some of the finest ships 
bearing the British flag. In the following February the great 
steamers New York and Paris were put under the American 
banner. The event was regarded with much interest by the public, 
as it seemed to denote the revival of American influence in the 
commerce and travel between our country and England. The day 
of the transfer of the flags on the steamers just mentioned was 
made the occasion of a public celebration in the city of New York, 
and the raising of the Stars and Stripes over the finest steamers on 
the Atlantic was hailed with national applause. 

23. As the administration drew to a close, the political parties 
made ready for the recurring contest for the presidency. The 
Kepublican National Convention convened at Minneapolis on the 
7th of June, 1892, and President Harrison was re-nominated, with 
Whitelaw Reid, of New York, lately minister of the United States 
to the Republic of France, as candidate for the vice-presidency. 
James G. Blaine's candidacy before the convention had come too 
iate, and he was overthrown by the phalanx of office holders. He 



HARRISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 389 

had resigned the office of Becretary of state only two days before 
the convention, and when lie failed of the nomination it was evident 
that his political career was ended. 

The Democratic National Convention was held in Chicago, be- 
ginning on the 21st of June. Grover Cleveland, ex-President, was 
nominated, with Adlai E. Stevenson, of Illinois, for the second 
place on the ticket. The People's party, now showing greater 
strength than ever before, held its convention in Omaha, on the 4th 
of July. The nomination of the so-called Populists went by com- 
mon consent to General James B. Weaver, of Iowa. Associated 
with him on the ticket was Judge James B. Field, of Virginia. 

24. The Democratic and Republican platforms were opposed on 
the question of protection, but were virtually agreed on the financial 
question, and in particular the question of free coinage of silver, 
while the People's party openly declared for the free coinage of 
silver and for the governmental control of the railways and tele- 
graphs. 

25. The canvass was feebly conducted. Not since the Civil War 
had a presidential contest called forth so little public interest. The 
facts most noticeable were the popularity and growing influence of 
ex-President Cleveland, and the increasing strength of the People's 
party in the Western States. The result was overwhelmingly fa- 
vorable to the Democratic party and its candidates. The electoral 
vote in favor of Cleveland was 276 against 145 for Harrison, and 
23 votes for General Weaver. At the same time the unequivocal 
control of both the Senate of the United States and the House of 
Representatives passed to the Democrats, who had not before held 
a majority in both branches of the Legislative Department since 
before the Civil War. 

26. During Harrison's administration several of the most dis- 
tinguished American citizens passed away ; among these should be 
mentioned Lieutenant-General Philip H. Sheridan, who died at 
his home in Nonquitt, Massachusetts, on the 5th of August, 1888. 
If other generals of the Union army had won greater admiration 
and honors, he was in many senses the model soldier, and his death 
at the early age of fifty-seven was the occasion of sincere grief 
throughout the country. 



39u HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

27. General William T. Sherman expired at his home in New 
York City on the 14th of February, 1891. The event produced 
a profound impression. Sherman among the Union commanders 
in the Civil War was next to Grant in greatness and reputation. 
After the war he steadily refused to enter the contest for office; 
and of him it may be truly said that he was the only man in 
America who ever willingly put aside the presidency of the United 
States. Of his sterling patriotism there, could be no doubt. As 
to his wonderful faculties and achievements, all men were agreed. 
He had directed that nothing but a soldier's burial should be given 
to him. His remains were accordingly taken under escort from New 
York to St. Louis, and were deposited in the simplest military 
manner in the family burying ground in the Cemetery of Mount 
Calvary. 

28. After the death of Sherman, only two commanders of the 
first class remained on the stage of action from the Civil War — 
both Confederates. These were Generals Joseph E. Johnston and 
James Longstreet. General Johnston was an honorary pall-bearer 
at the funeral of Sherman. Returning to his home in Washington 
city, he was prostrated with a heavy cold, and expired on the 20th 
of February, 1891, only six days after the death of his great rival. 
Sherman had reached the age of seventy-one, and Johnston was in 
his eighty-third year at the time of his death. The latter among 
the Confederate commanders stood next to General Lee in ability 
and reputation. 

29. The presidential contest of 1892 was soon followed by the 
death of James G. Blaine. The ambition of this extraordinary 
man to reach the presidency of the United States had been dis- 
appointed. Doubtless this was to him a heavy blow ; for he had 
five times aspired to be President ; had been four times before the 
National Conventions of his party, once nominated and defeated. 
He had passed through these severe trials with apparent equa- 
nimity, but it is probable that his defeat at Minneapolis weighed 
heavily upon him, and aggravated the seeds of disease which were 
undermining his constitution. Without doubt, Blaine had been for 
a considerable period one of the most distinguished and able of our 
public men. His leadership of the Republican party was brilliant ; 



SECOND ADMINISTRATION OF CLEVELAND. 



391 



his following was enthusiastic ; his influence strong. His promi- 
nence in public life and his indisputable abilities entitled him to 
take rank with the great names of American history. 



Sketch of President Harrison.-His inauguration and cabinet-Centennial 
of the Republic-Difficulties respecting the Samoan Islands.-Destructron o 
ihe"ir,^;."; %'m'"^'"'"^' ^"^^^"^^^ conference held at Wash ngton.- 
The International Maritime Conference-Proceedings of the Fifty-first Con- 
gress.-Revival of the tariff question.-The McKinleyBill.-Rule for cruntfu; 
a quorum in Congress-Passage of the bill for purchasing silver bumon -B Olf 
for admission of Idaho and Wyoming.-Eleventh census of the UnUei siate - 
^tates'^^'anf rf 1 '' f ''^''^"^^ ^^ ^^^ Orleans.-Trouble between the Uiii L 
States and ChUi.-Labor rebellion at Homestead-Controversy with Great 
Britain about the seal fisheries-Building of a new navy-Tranrfer of the 
steamers iV.z. York and Paris to the American marine.-Approach of the 
D"mocratro' "'"T.T^''^ eandidates.-The party platforms-Elect on of h: 
Democratic candidates-Death of Lieutenant-General Sheridan.-General W 
T Sherman passes away.-His character and fame-General Joseph E John ton 
also dies-Death of ex-Secretary Blaine.-His place in American history 



CHAPTER LXXI. 

SECOND ADMINISTRATION OF CLEVELAND, 1893 . 

rTHE re-election of Grover Cleveland to the presidency had a 
peculiar significance. Such an event had not occurred before 
m our history. On seven former occasions Presidents had been re- 
elected to the chief magistracy while holding that ofiice, but in no 
case had one who had retired from office been re-chosen for a 
second term. In this instance the successful candidate had been 
President, but he had been for four years out of office, and had no 
longer at his disposal the powerful official array which has shown 
itself so efficient in presidential elections. 

2. A sketch of the new President's life has already been pre- 
sented in a former chapter. His pre-eminence in public life had 
not come from partisanship, but from a certain sternness of character 
and persistency of political views, coupled with the highest personal 



392 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

lionesty and devotion to official duty. These traits prevailed over 
all partisan contrivance, and C'leveland was honored for the second 
time with the highest prize in the gift of the American people. 

3. The new cabinet was constituted as follows: for secretary 
of state, Judge Walter Q. Gresham, of Illinois ; for secretary of 
the treasury, John G. Carlisle, of Kentucky ; for secretary of war, 
Daniel S. Lamont, of New York ; for postmaster-general, Wilson 
S. Bissell, of New York ; for attorney -general, Richard A. Olney, 
of Massachusetts ; for secretary of the navy, Hillary A. Herbert, of 
Alabama; for secretary of the interior, Hoke Smith, of Georgia; 
for secretary of agriculture, J. Sterling Morton, of Nebraska. 
The President showed his original force of character by naming his 
cabinet officers before the day of the inauguration. They were, 
however, all promptly and cordially confirmed by the Senate. 

4. Public interest was turned immediately to the President's 
policy in regard to his official appointments. He was committed 
by many public utterances to the principle of Civil Service Reform, 
and was known to be opposed to the removal of officers for reasons 
merely political. This policy he followed in his appointments, 
making fitness and competency necessary qualifications, and estab- 
lishing the rule that competent officials should not be removed 
without cause before the expiration of their official terms. 

5. After these preliminaries were adjusted, the new administration 
might give attention to matters of national concern. The first of 
these was the Financial Condition of the Country. During the 
preceding administration it had been the policy of the party in power 
to reduce the excessive accumulation of money in the treasury of 
the United States by large outlays, many of which were of doubt- 
ful expediency. The Fifty-second Congress made appropriations 
of more than a billion of dollars — a thing unprecedented in our 
former history. By this means the surplus which President Cleve- 
land had formerly sought to reduce by removing the tariff on 
protected articles, was very effectually reduced. But the policy 
went so far as to threaten a deficiency in the treasury. 

6. To this was added another evil. Gold was exported until the 
fund reserved in the treasury as a guaranty for the payment of 
the treasury notes was encroached upon. There was public alarm ; 



SECOND ADMINISTRATION OF CLEVELAND, 393 

many banks were obliged to close their doors, and business was so 
seriously injured that the President was induced, in July of 1893, 
to call a special session of Congress for the 7th of the following 
month, to consider the financial condition of the United States and 
to provide remedies therefor. 

7. In the meantime one of the happiest events of peace had come 
in the great Columbian Exposition at the city of Chicago. 
The years 1892-93 brought the four hundredth anniversary of the 
discovery of America by Columbus. The occasion was appreciated 
by a patriotic people, and it was determined to hold in the 
United States a quadri-centennial exposition of arts and industries, 
in which the common joy of the nations, as well as their progress, 
should be expressed. 

8. Jackson Park was made into one of the largest and finest parks 
in the United States, was set apart for the use of the Columbian 
Celebration. The year 1892 and the beginning of 1893 were de- 
voted to the construction of buildings. Commissioners were sent to 
foreign countries with invitations to all nations to participate in the 
celebration and jubilee. It was enacted that the Exposition should be 
formally opened on the 1st of May, 1893, and should continue until 
the 1st of November. From the beginning the enterprise went 
auspiciously. The labor attending such an event was prodigious ; 
but the splendid buildings in Jackson Park were gradually brought 
to completion, and the early summer of 1893 witnessed the as- 
sembling of the nations from every quarter of the globe. 

9. No previous World's Fair or celebration was equal to this in 
the extent and magnificence of the display. The industries and 
arts of nearly all the peoples of the globe were brought to their 
respective places, and by the middle of May were ready to be seen 
by the throng of visitors that poured day by day into the grounds. 
The success of the magnificent enterprise was assured, and the 
American people rejoiced in the proud name which they had 
obtained in the display of arts and industries and leadership among 
the nations. 

The History of our Country has thus been traced from the 
times of the aborigines to the present day. The story is done. 



394 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

The Republic has passed through stormy times, but has at last 
entered her second century in safety and peace. The clouds that 
were recently so black overhead have broken, and are sinking be- 
hind the horizon. The equality of all men before the law has 
been written with the iron pen of war in the constitution of the 
Nation. The Union of the States has been consecrated anew by 
the blood of patriots and the tears of the lowly. The temple of 
freedom reared by our fathers still stands in undiminished glory. 
The Past has taught its Lesson ; the Present has its Duty, 
AND THE Future its Hope. 



Significance of the re-election of Cleveland.— Reasons for his influence in 
public affairs.— The new cabinet.— The President's policy relative to official 
appointments.— The financial condition of the country.— Exportation of gold.— 
A panic threatened. — Call for a special session of Congress. — The "World's 
Columbian Exposition at Chicago.— Opening of the great Fair. 



APPENDIX. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 

We, the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, 
establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common de- 
fense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to our- 
selves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the 
United States of North America. 

ARTICLE I. 

Section 1. — All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Con- 
gress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Rep- 
resentatives. 

Sec. 2. — The House of Representatives shall be composed of members 
chosen every second year by the people of the several States, and the elect- 
ors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the 
most numerous branch of the State legislature. 

No person shall be a representative who shall not have attained to the age 
of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizen of the United States, and 
who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that State in which he shall 
be chosen. 

Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several 
States which may be included within this Union, according to their respect- 
ive numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole number of 
free persons, including those bound to service for a term of years, and exclud- 
ing Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. The actual enumera- 
tion shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress 
of the United States, and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such 
manner as they shall by law direct. The number of representatives shall 
not exceed one for every thirty thousand ; but each State shall have at least 
one representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of 
New Hampshire shall be entitled to choose three, Massachusetts, eight, Rhode 
Fsland and Providence Plantations, one, Connecticut, five, New York, six, 
New Jersey, four, Pennsylvania, eight, Delaware, one, Maryland, six, Vir- 
ginia, ten. North Carolina, five. South Carolina, five, and Georgia, three. 
^ When vacancies happen in the representation from any State, the execu- 
tive authority thereof shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies. 

The House of Representatives shall choose their speaker and other offi- 
cers; and shall have the sole power of impeachment. 

Sec. 3. — The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two sena- 
tors from each State, chosen by the legislature thereof, for six years; and 
each senator shall have one vote. 

Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the first elec- 
tion, they shall be divided, as equally as may be, into three classes. The 
seats of the senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of 

(395) 



896 APPENDIX. 

the second year, of the second class, at the expiration of the fourth year, and 
of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one-third may 
be chosen every second year; and if vacancies happen, by resignation or oth- 
erwise, during the recess of the legislature of any State, the executive thereof 
may make temporary appointments until the next meeting of the legislature, 
which shall then fill such vacancies. 

No person shall be a senator who shall not have attained to the age of 
thirty years, and been nine years a citizen of the United States, and who 
shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that State for which he sliali 
be chosen. 

The Vice-President of the United States shall be president of the Senate, 
but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided. 

The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a president pro tem- 
pore, in the absence of the Vice-President, or when he shall exercise the of- 
fice as President of the United States. 

The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. When 
sitting for that purpose, they shall be on oath or affirmation. When the 
President of the United States is tried, the chief-justice shall preside; and 
no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the 
members present. 

Judgment, in cases of impeachment, shall not extend further than to re- 
moval from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, 
trust, or profit under the United States; but the party convicted shall, never- 
theless, be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment, 
according to law. 

Sec. 4. — The times, places, and manner of holding elections for senators 
and representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the legislature 
thereof; but the Congress may, at any time, by law, make or alter such reg- 
ulations, except as to the places of choosing senators. 

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year; and such meet- 
ing shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by law 
appoint a different day. 

Sec, 5. — Each house shall be the judge of the elections, returns, and qual- 
ifications of its own members; and a majority of each shall constitute a 
quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to 
day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members, 
in such manner and under such penalties as each house may provide. 

Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its mem- 
bers for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel 
a member. 

Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to time 
publish the same, excepting such parts as may in their judgment require 
secrecy; and the yeas and nays of the members of either house, on any 
question, shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered on the 
journal. 

Neither house, during the session of Congress, shall, without the consent 
of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other place than 
that in which the two houses shall be sitting. 

Sec. 6. — The senators and representatives shall receive a compensation for 
their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the treasury of the 
United States. They shall, in all cases except treason, felony, and breach 
of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance on the session 
of their respective houses, and in going to and returning from the same; 
and, for any speech or debate in either house, they shall not be questioned 
in any other place. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 397 

No senator or representative shall, during the time for wfiich he was 
elected, be appointed to any civil office under tlie authority of the United 
States which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall have 
been increased, during such time; and no person holding any office under 
the United States shall be a member of either house during his continuance 
in office. 

Sec, 7. — All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Rep- 
resentatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments, as on 
other bills. 

Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the 
Senate, shall, before it become a law, be presented to the President of the 
United States; if he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, 
with his objections, to that house in which it shall have originated, who 
shall enter the objections at large on their journal, and proceed to reconsider 
it. If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of that house shall agree to 
pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other 
house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and, if approved by two- 
thirds of that house, it shall become a law. But, in all such cases, the votes 
of both houses shall be determined by yeas and nays; and the names of the 
persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered on the journal of 
each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the President 
within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to 
him, the same shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it, unless 
the Congress by their adjournment prevent its return, in which case it shall 
not be a law. 

Every order, resolution, or vote, to which the concurrence of the Senate 
and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of 
adjournment), shall be presented to the President of the United States; and, 
before the same shall take effect, shall be approved by him, or, being disap- 
proved by him, shall be repassed by two-thirds of the Senate and House of 
Representatives, according to the rules and limitations prescribed in the case 
of a bill. 

Sec. 8. — The Congress shall have power: — 

To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts, and 
provide for the common defense and general welfare, of the United States; 
but all duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform throughout the United 
States : 

To borrow money on the credit of the United States: 

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several States, 
and with the Indian tribes: 

To establish an uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the 
subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States: 

To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the 
standard of weights and measures: 

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current 
coin of the United States: 

To establish post-offices and post-roads: 

To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited 
times, to authors and inventors, the exclusive right to their respective writ- 
ings and discoveries: 

To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court: 

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, 
and offenses against the law of nations: 

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules con- 
cerning captures on land and water: 



398 APPENDIX. 

To raise and support armiei?; but no appropriation of money to that use 
shall be for a longer term than two years: 

To provide and maintain a navy: 

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval 
forces : 

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, 
suppress insurrections, and repel invasions: 

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia, and for 
governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the United 
States, reserving to the States respectively, the appointment of the officers, 
and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline pre- 
scribed by Congress: 

To exercise exclusive legislation, in all cases whatsoever, over such dis< 
trict (not exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular States, 
and the acceptance of Congress, become the seat of government of the United 
States, and to exercise like authority over all places purchased by the con- 
gent of the legislature of the State in which the same shall be, for the erection 
of forts, magazines, arsenals, dockyards, and other needful buildings: — And 

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into 
execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Consti- 
tution in the government of the United States, or in any department or of- 
ficer thereof. 

Sec. 9. — The migration or importation of such persons, as any of the States 
now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Con- 
gress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight; but a tax, or 
duty, may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten dollars for 
each person. 

The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless 
when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. 

No bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed. 

No capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the 
census, or enumeration, hereinbefore directed to be taken. 

No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any State. No 
preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or revenue to the 
ports of one State over those of another; nor shall vessels bound to or from 
one State be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties, in another. 

No money shall be drawn from the treasury but in consequence of appro- 
priations made by law; and a regular statement and account of the receipts 
and expenditures of all public money shall be published from time to time. 

No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States; and no person 
holding any office of profit or trust under them shall, without the consent of 
the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title of any kind 
whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state. 

Sec. 10. — No State shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation; 
grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin money; emit bills of credit; make 
any thing but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts; pass any 
bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of con- 
tracts; or grant any title of nobility. 

No State shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any imposts or 
duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for 
executing its inspection laws; and the net produce of all duties and imposts 
laid by any State on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the treasury 
of the United States; and all such laws shall be subject to the revision and 
control of the Congress. No State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay 
any duty of tonnage, keep troops or ships of war in time of peace, enter intii 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 399 

any agreement or compact Avith another State or with a foreign power, or 
engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will 
not admit of delay. 

ARTICLE II. 

Section 1, The exex3utive power shall be vested in a President of the 
United States of America. He siiall hold his office during the term of four 
years, and together with the Vice-President, chosen for the same term, be 
elected as follows: — 

Each State shall appoint, in such manner as the legislature thereof may 
direct, a number of electors equal to the whole number of senators and rep- 
resentatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress; but no 
senator or representative, or person holding an office of trust or protit under 
the United States, shall be appointed an elector. 

The electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by ballot for 
two persons, of whom one, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same 
State with themselves. And they shall make a list of all the persons voted 
for, and of the number of votes for each; which list tiiey shall sign and 
certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United 
States, directed to the president of the Senate. The president of the Senate 
shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Kepresentatives, open all 
the certificates; and the votes shall then be counted. The person having 
the greatest number of votes shall be the President, if such number be a 
majority of the whole number of electors appointed; and if there be more 
than one who have such majority, and have an equal number of votes, then 
the House of Representatives shall immediately choose, by ballot, one of 
them for President; and if no jierson have a majority, then, from the five 
highest on the list, the said house shall, in like manner, choose the Presi- 
dent. But, in choosing the President, tiie votes shall be taken by States; 
the representation from each State having one vote; a quorum for this 
purpose shall consist of a member or members from two-thirds of the States; 
and a majority of all the States shall be necessary to a choice. In every 
case, after the choice of the President, the person having the greatest num- 
ber of votes of the electors shall be Vice-President. But, if there should 
remain two or more who have equal votes, the Senate shall choose from 
them, by ballot, the Vice-President. 

The Congress may determine the time of choosing the electors, and the 
day on which they shall give their votes; which day shall be the same 
throughout the United States. 

No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States 
at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the 
office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who 
shall not have attained to the age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen 
years a resident within the United States. 

In case of the removal of the President from office, or of his death, 
resignation, or inability to discharge the powers or duties of the said office, 
the same shall devolve on the Vice-President; and the Congress may, by 
law, provide for the case of removal, death, resignation, or inability, both of 
the President and Vice-President, declaring what officer shall then act as 
President; and such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be 
removed, or a President shall be elected. 

The President shall, at stated times, receive for his services a compensa- 
tion, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the period for 
which he shall have been elected; and he shall not receive within that 
period any other emolument from the United States or any of them. 



400 APPENDIX. 

Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the following 
oath or affirmation : — 

" I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office 
of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, pre- 
serve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." 

Sec. 2. — The President shall be commander-in-chief of the array and 
navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several States, when 
called into the actual service of the United States; he may require the 
opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive depart- 
ments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices, and 
he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses .against the 
United States, except in cases of impeachment. 

He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, 
to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the senators present concur; and he 
shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall 
appoint, ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls, judges of the 
Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States, whose appoint- 
ments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established 
by law; but the Congress may, by law, vest the appointment of such inferior 
officers as they think proper, in the President alone, in the courts of law, or 
in the heads of departments. 

The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen 
during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions, which shall ex- 
pire at the end of their next session. 

Sec. 3. — He shall, from time to time, give to the Congress information of 
the state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures 
as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary occa- 
sions, convene both houses, or either of them, and, in case of disagreement 
between them with respect to the time of adjournment, he may adjourn them 
to such time as he shall think proper; he shall receive ambassadors and 
other public ministers; he shall take care that the laws be faithfully exe- 
cuted; and shall commission all the officers of the United States. 

Sec. 4. — The President, Vice-President, and all civil officers of the United 
States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for and conviction of 
treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. 

article III. 

Section 1. — The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in a 
Supreme Court, and in such inferior courts as the Congress may from time to 
time ordain and establish. The judges, both of the supreme and inferior 
courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior; and shall, at stated 
times, receive for their services a compensation, which shall not be dimin- 
ished during their continuance in office. 

Sec. 2. — The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, 
arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and treaties 
made, or which shall be made, under their authority; to all cases affecting 
ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls; to all cases of admiralty 
and maritime jurisdiction; to controversies to which the United States shall 
be a party; to controversies between two or more States, between a State and 
citizens of another State, between citizens of different States, between citizens 
of the same State claiming lands under grants of different States, and be- 
tween a State, or the citizens thereof, and foreign States, citizens, or subjects. 

In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and 
those in which a State shall be a party, the Supreme Court shall have orig- 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 401 

inal jurisdiction. In all the other cases before mentioned, the Supreme 
Court shall have appellate jurisdiction both as to law and fact, with^ucb 
exceptions, and under such regulations, as the Congress shall make. 

The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by jury ; 
and such trial shall be held in the State where the said crimes shall have 
been committed ; but, when not committed within any State, the trial shall 
be at such place or places as the Congress may by law have directed. 

Sec. 3. — Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying 
war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and com- 
fort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two 
witnesses to the same overt act or on confession in open court. 

The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason, but 
no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood or forfeiture, except 
during the life of the person attainted. 

ARTICLE IV. 

Section 1. — Full faith and credit shall be given in each State to the 
public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other State. And the 
Congress may by general laws prescribe the manner in which such acts, 
records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof. 

Sec. 2. — The citizens of each State shall be entitled to all privileges and 
immunities of citizens in the several States. 

A person charged in any State with treason, felony, or other crime, who 
shall flee from justice, and be found in another State, shall, on demand of 
the executive authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to 
be removed to the State having jurisdiction of the crime. 

No person held to service or labor in one State under the laws thereof, 
escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein^ 
be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim 
of the party to whom such service or labor may be due. 

Sec. 3. — New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; 
but no new State shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any 
other State; nor any State be formed by the junction of two or more States, 
or parts of States, without the consent of the legislature of the States con- 
cerned, as well as of the Congress. 

The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful rules 
and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the 
United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to 
prejudice any claims of the United States, or of any particular State. 

Sec. 4. — The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a 
republican form of government, and shall protect each of them against 
invasion; and on application of the legislature, or of the executive (Avhen 
the legislature can not be convened), against domestic violence. 

ARTICLE V. 

The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, 
shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the 
legislatures of two-thirds of the several States, shall call a convention for 
proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid, to all intents 
and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures 
of three-fourths of the several States, or by conventions in three-fourths 
thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the 
Congress; Provided, that no amendment, which may be made prior to the 



402 APPENDIX. 

year one thousand eight hundred and eight, shall in any manner affect the 
first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that no 
State, without its consent, shall be depriv2d of its equal suffrage in the 
Senate, 

ARTICLE VI. 

All debts contracted, and engagements entered into, before the adoption of 
this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this 
Constitution, as under the Confederation. 

This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be made 
in pursuance thereof; and all treaties made, or which shall be made, under 
the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land; 
and the judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any thing in the con- 
stitution or laws of any State to the contrary notwithstanding. 

The senators and representatives before mentioned, and the members of 
the several State legislatures, and all executive and judicial officers, both of 
the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by oath or 
affirmation to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be 
required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United 
States. 

ARTICLE \^I. 

The ratification of the conventions of nine States shall be suflficient for 
the establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the 



D(me in Convention by the unanimous consent of the States present, the seventeenth 
day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty- 
seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the twelfth. In 
witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names. 

George Washington, President, 

and Deputy from Virginia. 

New Hampshire. — John Langdon, Nicholas Oilman. 

Massachusetts. — Nathaniel Gorham, Rufus King. 

Connecticut. — William Samuel Johnson, Roger Sherman. 

New York. — Alexander Hamilton. 

New Jersey.— William Livingston, David Bearly, William Patterson, 
Jonathan Dayton. 

Pennsylvania. — Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Mifllin, Robert Morris, 
George Clymer, Thomas Fitzsimons, Jared Ingersoll, James Wilson, Gou- 
verneur Morris. 

Delaware.— George Read, Gunning Bedford, Jr., John Dickinson, Rich- 
ard Bassett, Jacob Broom. 

Maryland. — James McHenry, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Daniel 
Carroll. 

Virginia. — ^John Blair, James Madison, Jr. 

North Carolina.— William Blount, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Hugh Wil- 
liamson. 

South Carolina.— John Rutledge, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Charles 
Pinckney, Pierce Butler. 

Georgia. — William Few, Abraham Baldwin. 

Attest: WtUiiAM Jackson, Secretary. 



AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION. 



ARTICLE I. 



Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or 
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or 
of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to peti- 
tion the government for a redress of grievances. 



ARTICLE n. 



A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, 
the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. 



ARTICLE III. 



No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without the 
consent of the owner; nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed 
by law. 

ARTICLE IV. 

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and 
eflfects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated ; and 
no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or 
affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the 
person or things to be seized. 

ARTICLE V. 

No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous 
crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in 
cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual 
service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject, for 
the same offense, to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be 
compelled, in any criminal case, to be a witness against himself; nor be 
deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall 
private property be taken for public use without just compensation. 

ARTICLE VI. 

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to & speedy 
and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the 
crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously 
ascertained by law; and to be informed of the nature and cause of the 
accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have com- 
pulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor; and to have the assist- 
ance of counsel for his defense. 

ARTICLE VII. 

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed 
twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved; and no fact 
tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United 
States than according to the rules of the common law*. 

26 (403) 



404 APPENDIX. 



ARTICLE VIIL 



Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cmel 
and unusual punishments inflicted. 



ARTICLE IX. 



The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights, shall not be con- 
strued to deny or disparage others retained by the people. 

ARTICLE X. 

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor 
prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to 
the people. 

ARTICLE XI. 

The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend 
to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the 
United States by citizens of another State, or by citizens or subjects of any 
foreign State. 

ARTICLE XII. 

The electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by ballot for 
President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhab- 
itant of the same State with themselves; they shall name in their ballots 
the person voted for as President, and in distinct ballots the person voted for 
as Vice-President; and they shall make distinct lists of all persons voted for 
as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice-President, and of the num- 
ber of votes for each, which lists they shall sign and certify, and transmit 
sealed to the seat of the government of the United States, directed to the 
president of the Senate; the president of the Senate shall, in the presence of 
the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates, and the 
votes shall then be counted; the person having the greatest number of votes 
for President shall be the President, if such number be a majority of the 
whole number of electors appointed; and if no person have such majority, 
then from the persons having the highest numbers, not exceeding three on 
the list of those voted for as President, the House of Representatives shall 
choose immediately, by ballot, the President. But, in choosing the Presi- 
dent, the votes shall be taken by States, the representation from each State 
having one vote; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or 
members from two-thirds of the States, and a majority of all the States shall 
be necessary to a choice. And if the House of Representatives shall not 
choose a President, whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, 
before the fourth day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall 
act as President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional disability 
of the President. 

The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice-President, shall 
be the Vice-President, if such number be a majority of tlie whole number 
of electors appointed: and if no person liave a majority, then from the two 
liighest numbers on the list, the Senate sliall choose the Vice-President; a 
quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of 
senators, and a majority of the whole number shall be necessary to a choice. 

But no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President, shall 
be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 405 

ARTICLE xm. 

^ Section 1.— Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude Prnpnf o« o 

ARTICLE XIV. 

SectiOxN I— All persons born or naturalized in the United 9,\mc.^ r,^A u 
ject to he jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United ShS' TV'A^" 
State wherein tliey reside. No State shall malp n^ o^f ^^ T'^ ""^ ^'^^ 

iililEilSSpi 

article XV. 

de&r"ab;4e'\t!ruS"4t'^^ "> ™'^ ^'-" ?»' "» 

color, or previous condition of terviiS ^ ^ ' °" '""""' °* '"'"'^• 

prfate^^Mon^"^''" ''"'" '''™ ^^^^^ *» ^'^'"<^ ">^ Article by appra- 



PRONUNCIATION OF PROPER NAMES. 



[E., English; F., French; S., Spanish; P., Portuguese ; It., Italian; G., German 
N., Norse ; Sw., Swedish ; Pol., Polish ; L., Latin ; I., Indian.] 



Abenaki [I.], ab-e-nah-ki. 
Abercrombie [E.]. ab-er-krum-bi. 
Adet [F.], ah-da.' 
Adolphus [L.], a-dol-fus. 
Aix-la-Chapelle [F.], aks-lah-shah- 

pel. 
Algonquin [I.], al-gon-ken. 
Almonte [S.], al-mon-te. 
Altamaha [I.], awl-ta-ma-haw. 
Alvarado [S.], al-va-rah-do, 
Ambrister [E.], am-bris-ter. 
Amerigo Vespucci [It.], ali-mer-e-go 

ves-poot-che. 
Amidas [E.], ftm-id-as. 
Ampudia [S.], am-poo-di-a. 
Andre [F.], ftn-dra. 
Anjou [F.], ong-zhoo. 
Antietam [E.], an-te-tam. 
Antonio de Espego [S.], ahn-to-m-o 

da es-pa-ho. 
Apalachee [I.], ap-a-lach-e. 
Arbuthnot [E.], ahr-buth-not. 
Armada [S.], ahr-mali-da. 
Ashe [E.], ash. 
Au Glaize [F.], o-glaz. 
Autosse [I.], aw-tos-e. 
Ayavalia [S.], i-ah-vahl-ya,. 
Ayotla [S.], I-ot-la. 
Aztecs [I.], az-teks. 
Balfour [E.], bal-foor. 
Barron [E.], bahr-ron. 
Baum [E.], bawm. 
Bayard [E.], bi-ahrd. 
Beaufort [E.], bu-furt. 
Beaujeau [F.], bo-zhii. 
Beauregard [F.], bo-ra-gahrd. 
Beau-Sejour [F.], bo-sa-Khoor. 
Behring [E.],, be-ring. 
Bellomont [E.], bel-6-mont. 
(406) 



Bergen [E.], berg-^n. 

Berkeley [E.], berk-li. 

Bermudas [E.], ber-mu-daz. 

Bernard [E.], b6r-nalir<l. 

Bienville [F.], be-ong-vel. 

Biloxi [E.], be-16ks-i. 

Blennerhassett [E.], blen-ner-hfts-set. 

Blyth [E.], blith. 

Borgne [E.], born. 

Boscawen [E.], bos-kaw-en. 

Bowdoin [E.], bo-den. 

Bracito [S.], brah-the-to. 

Bulkeley [E.], bulk-li. 

Burgoyne [E.], bur-goiii. 

Cabot [E.], kSb-ot. 

Cadwallader [E.], kad-wahl-la-dgr. 



Cambahee 
Canonchet 
Canonicus 



kahm-ba-he. 
, ka-non-shet. 
, ka-non-i-kus 
kan-so. 



-ta 



Canseau [F.] 

Carleton [E.], Itahrl-tun. 

Cartier [F.], kahr-ti-a. 
Casa de Mata [S.], kahs-a da 
Casamir [Sw.], kSs-i-mir. 
Castin [F.], kas-tSn. 
Chabot [F.], sha-bo. 
Chaleurs [F.], shah-lcor. 
Cham [Tartar], kam. 
Champe [E.], kamp. 
Champlain [F.], sham-plan. 
Chantilly [E.l shahn-til-li. 
Chapultepec [S.] kah-pool-ta-p6k. 
Chattahouchc [I.], chat-ta-hoo-che. 
Chaudiere [F.], sho-de-ar. 
Chauncey [E.], chawii-se. 
Cherbourg [F.], sher-boorg. 
Cherokee [I.], cher-5-ke. 
Chickamauga [E.], chik-a-iiiaw-g&. 
Chickasaws [I.], chik-a-sawz. 



PHONUNCIATION OF PROPER NAMES, 



407 



Chicora [S.], che-ko-ra. 

Chignecto [I.], she-nek-to. 

Chihuahau [S.], she-wah-wah. 

Chippewa [I.], chip-pe-wah. 

Choctaws [I.], chok-tawz. 

Christianson [E.], krist-yan-sun. 

Christison [S\v.], kris-ti-sun. 

Chrysler [E.], kris-ler. 

Churubusco [S.], koo-roo-boos-ko. 

Clarendon [E.], klSr-en-dun. 

Cochrane [E.], kok-ran. 

Collgni [F.l, ko-len-ye. 

Columbus [L.], k6-lum-bus. 

Comanches [I.], ko-mitii-chez. 

Concepcion [S.], kon-thep-thi-oii. 

Conde [R], kon-da. 

Contreras [S.], kon-tra-ras. 

Copernicus [L.], ko-per-ni-kus. 

Copley [E.], kop-le. 

Cordilleras [S.], kor-del-ya-rahs. 

Corees [I.], ko-rez, 

Cornwallis [E.], kawrn-walil-lis. 

Cotentnea [E.], k5-teiit-ne-a. 

Credit Mobilier [F.], cra-di m6-bil-i- 

ar. 
Croghan [E.], krog-han. 
Cyan [E.], sl-Sn. 
Dacres [EJ, dak-erz. 
Dahlgren [E.], dSl-gren. 
Dakotas [I.], dah-ko-tahz. 
D'Anville [F.], dong-vel. 
Darrah [E.], dahr-rah. 
D' Aubrey [F.], do-bra. 
Daye [E.], da. 
De Ayllon [S.], da il-yon. 
De Balboa [S.], da bahl-bo-a. 
De Barras [F.], du bahr-rali. 
Decatur [E.], de-ka-tur. 
De Fleury [F.], du flur-i. 
De Grasse [F.], du grfts. 
De Kalb [F.], du kahlb. 
Delaplace [F.], du-la-plas. 
De Monts [F.], du mong-. 
De Narvaez [F.], da nahr-vah-eth. 
D'Estaing [F.], da-stSiig. 
De Terney [F.], du ter-na. 
De Vaca [S.], da vah-ka. 
De Vergor [F.], du var-gor. 
De Villiers [F.], du vel-yar. 
De Vries [F.], de-vres. 
Dieppe [F.], de-ep. 
Dieskau [F.], de-es-ko. 
Dominic de Gourges [F.], do-man-ek 

du g-oorg-. 



Dongan [E.], dfin-gan. 
Doniphan [E.], don-i-fan. 
Dupont [E.j, doo-poiit. 
Du Quesne [F.], de kaii. 
Dyar [E.], di-ar. 
Eldorado [S.], el-do-rah-do. 
Emucfau [I.], e-muk-faw. 
Endicott [E.J, eii-di-kot. 
Erickson [E.J, er-iks-sun. 
Erskine [E.J, er-skin. 
Esquimaux [I.J, es-ki-mGz. 
Falmouth [E.J, mi-muth. 
Faneuil [F.J, fun-il. 
Farragut [E.J, fahr-ra-gfi. 
Ferdinand de Soto [S.J, fer-di-nand 

da so-to. 
Ferdinand Gorges [E.J, fer-di-nand 

gor-jez. 
Ferdinand Magellen [P.J, fer-di- 

nand ma-jel-lan. 
Ferguson [E.J, fur-gu-sun. 
Fernandez de Cordova [S.J, fer- 

iiahn-deth da kor-do-va. 
Fernando Cortez [S.J, fer-nalm-do 

kor-teth. 
Fouchet [F.J, foo-sha. 
Fraser [E.J, fra-zer. 
P>eneau [E.J, f re-no. 
Frobisher [E.J, frob-ish-er. 
Frontenac [F.J, fron-te-nak. 
Gabarus [E.J, ga-bar-us. 
Galileo [It.J, gah-li-la-o. 
Gambler [F.J, gahm-bi-a. 
Gaspar Cortereal [P.J, gahs-pahr 

kor-tfi-ra-alil. 
Gaspe [F.J, gas-pa. 
Gaspereau [F.J, gahs-per-o. 
Genet [F.J, zhe-iia. 
Genoa [It.J, jen-o-ah. 
Gila [S.J, he-lah. 
Gillis [G.J, gil-lis. 
Girardeau [E.J, ji-rahr-do. 
Gloucester [E.J, glos-ter. 
Godyn [£.J, go-di 
Goffe [E.J, gawf. 
Gonzales [S.J, gon-thali-leth. 
Gorgeana [E.J, gor-je-an-a. 
Gosnold [E.J, gos-nold. 
Goulburn [E.J, gool-burn. 
Grierson [E.J, grer-sun. 
Grijalva [S.J, gre-hahl-va. 
Guadalupe Hidalgo [S.J, gwah-da- 

loo-pfi he-dahl-go. 
Guerriere [F.J, ger-ri-ar. 



408 



PRONUNCIATION OF PBOPEB NAMES. 



Guiana [S.], ge-ahii-a. 
Gustavus [L.], gus-ta-vus. 
Hakluyt [E.], hak-loot. 
Havre de Grace [F.], hahver 

grSs. 
Hayne [E.], han. 
Heister [G.], his-ter. 
Henlopen [E.], hen-16-pen. 
Herjulfson [N.], har-yoolf-sun. 
Herkimer [E.], hur-ki-mer. 
Hertel [F.], her-tel. 
Hochelaga [I.], hok-e-lah-ga, 
Hosset [G.], hos-set. 
Housatonic [I.], hoo-sa-ton-ik. 
Houston [E.], hows-tun. 
Hovenden [E.], ho-ven-den. 
Huguenots [F.], hu-ge nots. 
Iroquois [I.], ir-o-kwah. 
Isabella [S.], iz-a-bel-a, 
Isle-aux-Noix [F.], el-6-iiooali. 
luka [E,], i-yoo-ka. 
Jameson [E.], jam-e-sun. 
Jesuits [E.], jez-ii-its. 
Joliet [F.], zho-li-ii. 
Joris [G.], yo-ris. 
Juarez [S.], l»waw-reth. 
Jumonville [F.], zhe-m6ng-v6l. 
Kamtchatka [Lj, kam-tchftt-ka. 
Kaskaskia [I.], kas-kfts-ki-a. 
Kearney [E.], kahr-ne. 
Kearsarge [E.], Itahr-sahr-ge, 

ker-sahrj. 
Kieft [E.], keft. 
Klamathas [I.], klSm-aths. 
Knowlton [E.], nol-tun. 
Knyphausen [G.], iiep-how-sen. 
Kosciusko [Pol.], kSs-si-fis-ko. 
Kossuth [G.], kos-slioot. 
La Colle [F.], la-kol. 
Ladrones [S.], lahd-ro-nes. 
La Fayette [F.], la iu-et. 
La Fitte [F.], la fit. 
La Roche [F,], la rosh. . 
La Roque [F.], la rok. 
La Salle [F.], la-sai. 
Lathrop [E.], la-thrup. 
Laudonnierre [F.], lo-don-m-ar. 
Laurie [E.], law-ri. 
La Vega [S.], lah va-ga. 
Le Boef [F.], lu buf. 
Leddra [E.], led-ra. 
Ledyard [E.], led-yahrd. 
Leif Erickson [N.], Ilf er-ik-sun. 
Leialer [G.], Ils-ler. 



du 



Leitch [E.], lech. 
Leverett [E.], lev-er-et. 
Leyden [G.], li-den. 
Lionel [E.], li-o-nel 
Lopez [S.], lo-p5th. 
Los Angeles [S.], los-ahiig-el-es. 
Loudon [E.], loo-doon. 
Liitzen [G.], letz-en. 
Luzerne [Swiss], loo-zeni. 
Macdonough [E.], mak-don-o. 
Macdougall [E.], maak-doo-gal. 
Macomb [E.], ma-kom. 
Magavv [E.], ma-gaw. 
Mandeville [E.], maii-de-viL 
Manteo [I,], uiahn-teTO. 
Manuel [P.], inalin-oo-al. 
Markam [E.], malirk-am. 
Marlborough [E.], mahrl-bru. 
Marquette [F.], mahr-ket. 
Massasoit [I.], ma-sas-o-it. 
Matagorda [S.], mat-a-gor-da. 
Mather [E.], mathe-er. 
Matoaka [L], mat-o-ak-a. 
Mattapony [!.], ma-tap-o-m. 
Matthews [E.], math-iiz. 
Maumee [I.], maw-me. 
Maurepas [F.], mor-pali. 
Maximilian [G.], max-i-mil-yiln. 
McCullough [E.], mak-kul-lo. 
Mcintosh [E.], mak-in-tosh. 
Meacham [E.], me-cham. 
Meigs [E.], megz. 
Meta Incognita [L.], me-ta in-cog. 

ni-ta. 
Meuse [G.], iiius. 

Mianatonomoh [I.], mi-an-to-no-mo. 
Micanopy [L], mi-kaii-o-pi. 
Minuit [G.], niin-oo-it. 
Mohegan [I.], mo-he-grm. 
Molino del Key [S.], mo-le-no del \\\ 
Monckton [E.], niunk-tun. 
Monk [E.], muiik. 
Monocacy [I.], mo-nok-ri-si. 
Montcalm [F.], mont-kahin. 
Monteano [S.], mon-tu-alm-o. 
Montezuma [I], mon-te-zoo-ma. 
Montmorenci [E.], mont-mo-reii-si. 
Mosley [E.], moz-le. 
Moultrie [E.], mol-tri. 
Nairne [E.], narii. 
Nassau [F.], nas-sO. 
Natchitoches [I.], nach-i-toch-es. 
Naumkeag [I.], nawm-ke-ftg. 
Nauvoo [E.], naw-voo. 



PRONUNCIATION OF PROPER NAMES. 



409 



Nicols [E.], iiik-ulz. 

Nipmucks [I.], nip-muks. 

Nueces [S,], iiwfi-ses, 

Ocklawaha [I.], ok-la-wah-hah. 

Odeneal [E.], O-den-el. 

Ogechee [I,], o-ge-che, 

Oglethorpe [E.], o-gel-thorp. 

O'Hara [E.], o-hahr-ra. 

Ojeda [S.], o-ha-da. 

Okeechobee [I.], 6-ke-cho-be. 

Oldham [E.], old-am. 

Olustee [E.], o-lus-te. 

Oneidas [I.], 6-ni-das. 

Opecancanoiigh [I.], o-pe-kan-kan-o. 

Orapax [I.], or-a-pax. 

Osceola [L], 6s-se-o-la. 

Oswald [Ej], 6s-wawld. 

Otis [E.], o-tis. 

Oxenstiern [Sw.], oks-en-stern. 

Pascua Florida [L.], pahs-koo-a flor- 

i-da. 
Patapsco [T.], pa-tap-sk5. 
Patuxent [I.], pa-tiiks-ent. 
Pauw [G.], paw. 
Pedro Melendez [S.], pa-dr^ mii-Ieii- 

deth. 
Pemaquid [I.], pem-a-kwid= 
Pepperell [E.], pep-per-el. 
Pequod [I.], pe-kw6d. 
Perote [S.], pa-ro-tg. 
Philippine [E.], f Il-ip-in. 
Pigot [K], pig-ot. 
Pinta [S.], pen-ta. 
Piscataqua [I.], pis-kat-a-kwru 
Pitcairn [E.], pit-karn. 
Pizzaro [S.], pe-thahr-ro. 
Pocahontas [I.], p6k-ri-h6n-tjis. 
Poictiers [F.], pwah-te-a. 
Point au Trembles [F.], pwan to 

tratimbl. 
Ponce de Leon [S.], pon-tha da la- 

OIl. 

Pontchartrain [F.], pon-shahr-trfrn. 
Porto Rico [S.], por-to re-ko. 
Poutrincourt [F.], poo-tran-koor. 
Powhatan [I.], pow-hat-an. 
Presque Isle [F.], presk-el. 
Prevost [E.], prev-ost. 
Prideaux [F.], prid-o. 
Puebla [S.], pweb-lah. 
Pulaski [Pol.], poo-lahs-ki. 
Quantrell [E.], kwalin-trel. 
Queretaro [S.], ka-ra-tak-rO. 
Rahl [G.], rahl. 



: Raleigh [E.], raw-li. 
Ratcliffe [E.], rftt-klif. 
Rawdon [E.], raw-dun. 
Raymbault [P^], ram-bo. 
Revere [E.], re-ver. 
Rhett [E.], ret. 
Riall [K], ri-al. 
Ribault [F.], re-bo. 
Roberval [F.], rob-er-vahl. 
Rochambeau [F.], ro-sham-bo. 
Rochelle [F.], rd-shel. 
Roderigo Triana [S.], rod-re-go tre- 

ah-na. 
Rosecrans [G,], ros-krahns. 
Ryswick [G.], res-wik. 
Salkehatchie [I.], sal-k6-hach-e. 
Saltillo [S.], sahl tel-yo. 
Samoset [I.], sSm-o-set. 
San Cosme [S.], sahn kos-ma. 
Sandys [E.], sSii-dis. 
San Jose [S.], sahn ho-sa. 
San Juan d'UUoa [S.], sahn hwahn 

dool-o-ah. 
San Miguel fS.], sahn mig-oo-al. 
Santa Maria [S.], sahn-tri mah-re-a, 
Sassacus [I.], sas-sak-tis. 
Sayle [E.], sal. 

Schenectady [I.], skg-nek-ta-di. 
Schuyler [E.], skl-ler. 
Selish [I.], se-lish. 
Seminoles [I.], sem-i-nolz. 
Serames [E.], semz. 
Seville [S.], se-vil. 
Seward [E,], soo-ahrd. 
SheafFe [G.], shSf-fe. 
Shirley [E.], shur-li. 
Shoshonees [I.], sho-sho-nez. 
Sigel [G.], se-gel. 
Sioux [I,], SCO. 
Sloughter [E.], slo-ter, 
Sothel [E.], s6th-el. 
Squanto [I.], skwahii-to. 
St. Augustine [E.], siint aw-gus-ten. 
Steuben [G.], stu-bgn, 
Stirling [E.], stur-lmg. 
St. Leger [F.], sant lej-6r. 
Stoughton [E.], sto-tun. 
St. Pierre [F.], san pe-ar. 
Streight [F.], strat. 
Stuyveaant [G.], sti-ves-ant. 
Subercase [F.], se-ber-kahs. 
Suwanee [I.], soo-wahii-e. 
Talladega [I.], tahl-la-de-ga. 
Tallapoosa [I.], tal-Ia-poos-a. 



410 



PRONUNCIATION OF PROPER NAMES. 



Tallushatchee [I.], tal-lus-hach-e. 

Tamanlipas [S.], tahm-aw-le-pas. 

Tanacharisson [L.], tan-a-kar-is-sun. 

Tarleton [E.], tahrl-tun. 

Teche [F.], tesh. 

Tecumtha [I.], te-kiim-tha. 

Thames [E.], temz. 

Theresa [G.], ter-es-a. 

Thorfinn Karlsefne [N.], tor-fin 

katirl-sef ne. 
Thorstein Erickson [N.], tor-stin er- 

ik-siin. 
Tituba [I.], ti-too-ba. 
Tohopeka [I.], to-ho-pe-ka. 
Tomo-Chichi [I.], to-mo-che-chi, 
Tortugas [S.], tor-too-gahs. 
Tuscaroras [I,], tus-ka-ro-rahz. 
Van Kensselaer [K], van reii-se-lahr. 
Van Twiller [G.], van twel-ler. 
Vasco de Gama [P.], vahs-ko da 

gall-ma. 
Vaudreuil [F.], v5-dru-el. 
Vaughan [E.], vawn. 
Vera Cruz [S.], va-rah kroos. 
Vergennes [F.], v6r-zhen. 
Verhulst [G.]? var-hoolst. 
Verrazzani [It.], ver-rat-tsah-ni. 
Wadsworth [E.], wods-wurth. 



Wahoo [I.], waw-lioo. 
Wainman [E.], wan-man. 
Walloons [G.], wahl-looiiz. 
Wampanoags [I.], wahm-pan-o-agz. 
Warwick [E.], wahr-rick. 
Washita [F.], w6sh-i-taw. 
Waymouth [E.], wa-miith. 
Weehawken [I,], we-hawk-6n. 
Weitzel [G.], wit-zel. 
Welde [E.], wel-de. 
Whalley [E.], hwalil-li. 
Whinyates [E.], liwin-yats. 
Whitefield [E.], hwit-feld. 
Wingina [I.], win-ge-na. 
Winthrop [E.], Aviu-thrup. 
Wilkes [E.], wilks. 
Withlacoochie [I.], with-la-koo-che. 
Worcester [E.], woos-ter. 
Wouter [G.], woo-ter. 
Wyatt [E.], wl-at. 
Xeres [S.], ha-reth, 
Yamacraws [I.], yaliiii-a-krawz. 
Yamassees [I.], ya-mas-ez. 
Yeamans [E.], ye-manz. 
Yeardley [E.], yiird-li. 
Youghiogheny [I.], yoh-ho-ga-ni. 
Yusef [Moorish], yoo-s6f. 
Zenger [G.], zen-ger. 



INDEX, 



Abenakis, The War with, 93, 98. 
Abercrombie, General, Expedition of. 

against Ticonderoga, 173. 
Acadia, Name of, 34 ; ruin of, 168, 169. 
Adams, John, Predicts American Inde- 
pendence, 180; nominates Washington 
for general-in-chief, 190; member of 
committee to draft Declaration, 194; 
commissioner to Paris, 227; Vice-Pres- 
ident, 232; elected President, 237; ad- 
ministration of, 238-240 ; death of, 268. 
Adams, John Quincy, Secretary of State, 
264; President, 267; sketch of, 268; ad- 
ministration of, 268, 269; death of, 289. 
Adams, Samuel, Speaks out for liberty, 185. 
Adet, M., Evil influence of, in U. S., 238. 
Adolphus, Gustavus, Plans an American 

colony, 105. 
Agriculture, Dept. of, becomes cabinet 

oflftce, 379, 380. 
Aix-la-Chapelle, Treaty of, 101. 
Alabama, Admission of, 266. 
Alabama, The, Career of, 333. 
Alabama Claims, The, Settlement of, 345. 
Alaska, Purchase of, 341. 
Algiers, Tribute paid to, 237; brought to 

terms, 263. 
Algonquins, The. Territorial position of, 12. 
Allen, Ethan, Expedition of, against Ticon- 
deroga, 188. 
Amendments to Constitution, Notice of, 
2,32; passage of fourteenth and fifteenth, 
344. 
Amherst. General, Commander-in-chief in 

America, 174. 
Amidas, Philip, Voyage of, 39. 
Amnesty Proclamation, The, Account of. 

339. 
Anderson, Robert, At Fort Sumter, 302. 
Andre, John, Connection of, with Arnold's 

treason, 220. 
Andros, Sir Edmund, Career of, in Amer- 
ica, 91, 112, 114, 124, 129, 132, 137, 
Antietam, Battle of, 319. 
Anti-Federalist Party, The, Rise of, 230. 
Archdale, John, Governor of South Caro- 
lina, 154. 
Arctic Explorations, Account of, 293. 
Argall, Samuel, Expeditions of, 61, 62. 
Arkansas, Organized, 266; admitted, 274. 
Arnold, Benedict, At Ticonderoga, 188; ex- 
pedition of, against Quebec, 191 ; heroism 
of, 201 ; treason of, 219 ; in Virginia, 222. I 



Arthur, Chester A., elected Vice-President, 
359; accedes to the presidency, 365; 
sketch of, 365; administration of, 365-369. 

Atlanta, Capture of, 329. 



Bacon, Nathaniel, Rebellion of, 70. 
Balboa, Discovery of the Pacific by. 20. 
Baltimore, Siege of, 260; attack on Union 

soldiers in. 302. 
Baltimore, Lords, Colonize Maryland, 145. 
Bank of the United States, Organization 
of, 234 ; expiration of charter of, 263 ; re- 
chartering of, vetoed by Jackson, 271; 
new charter of, vetoed by Tyler, 278. 
Banks, N. P., In West Virginia, 315 ; in com- 
mand of the Red River expedition. 327. 
Barclay, Robert, Gov. of New Jersey, 137. 
Barlow, Arthur, Voyage of, 39. 
Bayard, Thomas F., Secretary of State, 371. 
Bell, A. Graham, inventor of telephone, 367. 
Bellomont, Earl of. Governs New York, 116. 
Bennington, Battle of, 203. 
Berkeley, Sir William, Governor of Vir- 
ginia, 67; vengeance of, 71 ; proprietor 
of New Jersey, 134. 
Black Hawk War, The, Account of, 272. 
Blaine, J. G., Secretary of State, 362, 381; 
nominated for presidency, 368 ; dies. 390. 
Blockade, The question of, in Europe. 245. 
Bonaparte, Napoleon, Policy of, toward 
the United States, 2.39; sells Louisiana, 
242; measures of, against Great Britain, 
245; issues Milan Decree, 245. 
Bonaparte, Louis Napoleon, Intrigue of, 

respecting Mexico, .340. 
Boone, Daniel, Colonizes Kentucky, 235. 
Booth. John Wilkes, Assassination of Lin- 
coln by, 337. 
Boston, Founded, 77 ; occupied by the Brit- 
ish army, 184; massacre at, 184; siege of, 
188-193 ; great fire in, 347. 
Rraddock, Edward, Campaign of, 166, 167. 
Bradford, W.. Gov. of Massachusetts, 74. 
Bragg, Braxton, At Murfreesborough, 315; 
at Chickamauga, 322; at Lookout and 
Missionary Ridge, 322, 323. 
Brandywine, Battle of, 205. 
Breckinridge, John C. Vice-President, 296 ; 
in command in the Shenandoah Valley. 
334. 
Brown, John, Insurrection led by, 298. 
Bryant, William Cullen, Death of, 356. 

(411) 



412 



INDEX. 



Buchanan, James, Elected President, 296! 
sketch of, 297; administration of, 297-300- 

Buckner, 8. B.. At Fort Donelson, 312. 

Buena Vista, Battle of, 2*5. 

Bull Bun, Battles of, 308, 318. 

Bunker Hill, Fortification of, by Ameri- 
cans, 188 ; battle of, 189. 

Burgesses, House of, Establishment of, 63; 
scene in, 181. 

Burgoyne, General, Invasion of, 202; capit- 
ulation of, 204. 

Burnside, Ambrose E., In command of the 
Army of the Potomac, 319; at Freder- 
icksburg, 319. 

Burr, Aaron, Elected Vice-President, 240; 
kills Hamilton, 244 ; conspiracy of, 244. 

Butler, B. P., At New Orleans, 314; at Ft. 
Fisher. 332; at Bermuda Hundred, 334; 
nominated for presidency, 368. 



Cabinet, The, Organization of, 234. 

Cable, The Atlantic, Laying of, 297, 340. 

Cabot, John, Voyage of, 35. 

Cabot, Sebastian, Voyage and explorations 
of, 36. 

Calhoun, John C, Secretary of War, 264; 
Vice-President, 267; as a nuUifier, 271 ; 
death of, 294. 

California, Discovery of gold in, 288; organ- 
ization of, 291 ; admission of, 292. 

Californiang,The, Territorial position of, 12. 

Calvert, Sir George, Sketch of, 144. 

Calvert, Sir Cecil, Colonizes Maryland, 145. 

Camden, Battle of , 218. 

Canadian Insurrection, Account of, 276. 

Canonchet, Notice of, 87; execution of, 90. 

Canonicus, Notice of, 78. 

Cape Breton, Conquest of, 101. 

Carpenter. Matt. H., Death of, 361. 

Carteret, Sir George, Proprietor of New- 
Jersey, 134. 

Cartier, James, Voyage of, 30. 

Carver, John, Leader of the Pilgrims, 47; 
death of, 73. 

Census, of 1790 and 1800,240; of 1810,248; of 
1870, 344 ; of 1880, 360 ; of 1890, 385. 

Centennial, of American Independence, 
Account of. 350; of the Government, 382. 

Cerro Gordo, Battle of, 286. 

Champe, Sergeant John, Attempt of, to 
capture Arnold, 222. 

Champion Hills, Battle of , 321. 

Champlain, Samuel, Career of, in Amer- 
ica, 34. 

Chancellorsville, Battle of. 324. 

Chandler, Zachariah, Death of, 361. 

Chapultepec, Battle of, 287. 

Charles I., Relations of, with American 
colonies, see Massachusetts and Virginia. 

Charles II., Relations of, with American 
colonies, see Massachusetts and Virginia. 

Charleston, Founding of, 153 ; taken by the 
British, 217; evacuation of, 225; siege of, 
32:j; capture of, by Sherman, 330; earth- 
quake at, 372, 373. 

Charter of New England, Account of, 76. 

Charter Oak, The, Story of, 91. 125. 

Chase, Salmon P., Secretary of the Treas- 
ury, 301 ; presides at the impeachment 
trial of Johnson, 342 ; death of, 349. 

Cherokees, The, Territorial position of, 12; 
war with, 177 ; difficulties with, 272. 

Chesapeake, Bay of. Exploration of, by 
John Smith, 56. 

Chesapeake, The, Affair of, 245. 

Chicago, Burning of, 345. 



Chickamauga, Battle of, 322. 

Chicora, Old iiame of Carolina, 23. 

Chilian troubles, 386. 

Chinese Embassy, At Washington, 357. 

Chippewa, Battle of, 258. 

Churubusco, Battle of, 287. 

Civil Rights Bill. The, Passage of, 342. 

Civil War, The, Causes of, 303-306 ; history 

of, 306-336. 
Citizenship, English views of, 245. 
Clarke, John, Colonizes Rhode Island, 128; 

services of, 129. 
Clarke, William, Exploring expedition of, 

Clay, H., and Omnibus Bill, 291 ; dies, 294. 
Clayborne, William, Career of, in Mary- 
land, 141-147. 
Cleveland, Grover, elected Pres., 368, 389; 
sketch, 370, 371 ; administrations, 371, 391. 

Clinton, George, Vice-President, 244. 

Clinton, Sir Henry, Attempt of, to save 
Burgoyne, 204. 

Coddington, William, Sets up Israel in 
Rhode Island, 128. ^ 

Colfax, Schuyler, Vice-President, 343. 

Coligni, Mentioned. 32. 

Colonies, The American, Dispute of, with 
Great Britain, 179-186 ; independence of, 
105, 227. 

Colonization Society, Organized, 263. 

Colorado, Admission of, 352. 

Columbia, District of, Organization of, 240. 

Columbian Exposition, 393. 

Columbus, Christopher, Sketch of, 18 ; dis- 
covers America, 19 ; misfortunes of, 20. 

Comanches, The, Territorial position of, 12. 

Concord, Battle of, 187. 

Confederation, History of, 229, 2;30. 

Congress. The First Colonial, Meets, 182. 

Congress of the Revolution, Assembling 
of, 186. 

Connecticut, Colonization of, 120; historv 
of, 120-126. 

Constitution of the United States, Analy- 
sis of, 2;J1 ; adoption of, by the States, 
232 ; text of, see Appendix. 

Constitution, The, Affair of, 250. 

Cooper, Sir Ashley, Proprietor of Carolina, 
149. 

Cordova, Explorations of, 22. 

Corinth, Battle of, 315. 

Cornbury, Lord, Governor of New York, 
116. 

Cornwallis, Lord, Pursues Washington 
across New Jersey, 198; at Princeton, 
201; at Brandywine, 205; in Carolina, 
223; in Virginia, 225; surrender of, at 
Yorktown, 226. 

Cortereal, Gaspar, Voyages of, 28. 

Cortez, Fernando, Conquers Mexico, 22. 

Cotton Exposition at New Orleans, 371. 

Cotton Gin, The, As a factor of the Civil 
War. 304. 

Cranfield. Edward, Gov. of New Hamp- 
shire, 91 ; career of, in the province, 132. 

Credit Mobilier, The, 348. 

Creeks, The, War with, 254; difficulties 
with, 268. 

Cromwell, Oliver, Relations of, with Vir- 
ginia, 67 ; favors New England, 83. 

Crown Point, Expedition against, 170. 

Cuba, Difficulties concerning, 292. 



Dakotas, The, Territorial position of, 12. 
Dakota, North, Becomes a State, 379. 
Dakota, South, Becomes a State, 379. 



INDEX. 



413 



Dale, Sir Thomas, Governor of Virginia, 60. 

Dare, Virginia, Birth mentioned, 41. 

Darrah. Lydia, Story of, 206. 

Davis, JetTerson, President of the Confed- 
eracy, 299 ; sketch of, 308 ; flight of, from 
Richmond, 336; capture and trial of, 336. 

Daye, Stephen, First printer in America, 81. 

Dearborn, Henry, Commander-in-chief of 
American army, 249. 

De Ayllon, Discovery of Carolina by, 23. 

Decatur, Commodore, In the Mediterra- 
nean, 263. 

De Gama, Circumnavigation of Africa by, 

De Gourges, Settles with the Spaniards, 33. 

De Kalb, Baron, Fights for liberty, 202; 
killed, 218. 

Delaware, Colonization of, lft5 ; secession 
of, from Pennsylvania, 142. 

De Leon, Ponce, Discovery of Florida by, 
21. 

Demagogues, Influence of, 306. 

Democratic Party, Comes into power, 241. 

De Monts, In America, 34. 

De Soto, Ferdinand, Explorations of, 24-26. 

Detroit, Capture of. by the British, 250. 

Dolbear, A. C, InVentor of telephone, 367. 

Doniphan, Colonel, Campaign of, 285. 

Dorr Insurrection, The, Account of, 278. 

Douglas, Stephen A., Favors popular sov- 
ereignty, 295. 

Draft, The, Ordered by Congress, 325. 

Drake, Sir Francis, Career of, 38-40. 

Dred Scott Decision, The, 298. 



E 



East India Company, The Dutch, 49. 
East River Bridge, Building of, 367, 368. 
Eaton, William, Campaign of, in Africa, 

243. 
Edison, Thomas A., Inventor of telephone 

and electric light, 367. 
Emancipation Proclamation, Issued, 320. 
Embargo Act, The, Passage of, 245. 
Erickson, Leif, Discovers America, 15. 
Erickson, Thorwald and Thorstein, 16. 
Ericsson, John, Invents Monitor, 313. 
Esquimaux, Territorial position of, 12. 
Eutaw Springs, Battle of, 224. 



Fair Oaks, Battle of, 317. 

Farragut, Admiral, On the Mississippi, 314; 

capture of Mobile by, 331. 
Federalist Party, The, Rise of, 2.30. 
Field, C. W., Lays Atlantic Cable, 297. 
Fields, James T., Death of, 361. 
Fillmore, Millard, President, 291. 
Financial crisis, of 1873, 348 ; of 1893, 392. 
•Five Forks, Battle of, 336. 
Florida, Colonization of, 27 ; ceesion of, 265 ; 

admission of, 281. 
F*rest, N. B., Raid of, 327. 
Fort Donelson, Capture of, 312. 
Fort Du Quesne, see Fort Pitt. 
Fort Fisher, Capture of, 332. 
Fort Jackson, Capture of, 314. 
Fort Le Boeuf, Affairs at, 163. 
Fort McHenry, Defense of, 260. 
Fort Meigs, Siege of, 253. 
Fort Moultrie, Attack on. 194. 
Fort Nassau, Built, 1.34. 
Fort Necessity, Built and defended, 165. 
Fort Orauge, Building of, 50, 103. 



Fort Pitt, Built, 164; taken by English, 174. 

Fort St. Pliilip, Capture of, 314. 

Fort Sumter, Bombardment of, 302. 

Fort William Henry, Siege of, 172. 

France, Possessions of , in America, 172 ; in- 
cites the colonies to rebel, 179; alliance 
of, with U. S., 208 ; difficulties with, 2;i8. 

Pranklin, Benjamin, Plans union for 
America, 166 ; favors liberty, 181 ; at the 
court of Louis XVI., 208; sketch of, 209. 

Fredericksburg, Battle of, 319. 

Frelinghuysen, F. T., Secretary of State, 
366. 

Fremont, John C, Explorations of, 284. 

French, The, Explorations and settlements 
of, in America, 29-35, 161, 162. 

Frobisher, Martin, Voyages of. 37. 

Fulton, Robert, Invents steamboat, 246. 



G 

Gadsden Purchase, Account of, 295. 

Gage, General, Occupies Boston, 186. 

Garfield, James A., elected President, 359; 
sketch of, 362 ;administrati»n of, 362-365: 
assassination of, 364. 

Gates, Horatio, In the North, 204. 

Genet, Citizen, Career of, 235. 

George III., Character of, 180. 

Georgia, History of, 156-160. 

Gerry, Elbridge, Vice-President, 252. 

Gettysburg, Battle of, 325. 

Ghent, Treaty of, 262. 

Gist, Christopher, Expedition to the Ohio, 
162. 

Gold, Discovery of, in California, 288. 

Gorges, Ferdinand, Proprietor of New 
Hampshire, 131. 

Gosnold, Bartholomew, New route of, 41. 

Gramme, of Paris, i n vents electric light, 367. 

Grant, Ulysses S., A t Donelson, 312 ; at Pitts- 
burg Landing, 312; at Vicksburg, 321; 
commander-in-chief, 328; in the Wilder- 
ness, 333; besieges Petersburg, 335; in 
pursuit of Lee, 336; elected President, 
343; sketch of, 343; administration of, 
343-351 ; tour of, 359 ; death of, ,375. 

Gray, E. P., Inventor of telephone, 367. 

Great Britain, Colonizes America, 35-48; 
grants of territory by, see 3Iap II ; ex- 
tent of possessions (1655), see Map III; 
oppresses the colonies, 179-186; treaty 
with, 237; neutrality, doctrine of, 245. 

Greeley, Horace, Notice of, 346. 

Greene, Nathanael, Campaigns of, 223-225, 

Guerriere, The, Afftiir of, 250. 

Guilford C. H., Battle of, 22;}. 

Guiteau, The assassin, 364. 



H 

Half Moon, The, Voyages of, 49, 50. 

Halifax Fishery Award, Account of, 357. 

Hamilton, Alexander, Builder of Fort 
Washington, 198; defender of the Con- 
stitution, 231 ; Secretary of the Treas- 
ury, 234; first major-general, 238; killed, 

Harmar, General, Expedition of , 2,34. 
Harrison, Benjamin, Pres.,379; sketch of, 

380, 381 ; renominated, 388. 
Harrison, William Henry, Governor of 

Indiana, 248; at Tippecanoe, 248; in 

command of the Army of the West, 252; 

elected President, 276; sketch of, 277; 

administration of, 277 ; death of, 277, 



414 



INDEX, 



Hartford Convention, The, 261. 

Harvard College, Founding of, 80, 81. 

Hayes, Rutherford B., Sketch of, 353. 

Hayne, Senator, Debate with Webster, 271. 

Hendricks, Thomas A., Elected Vice-Presi- 
dent, 368; dies, 376. 

Henry, Patrick, Makes some remarks, 182. 

Herjulfson, Discovers America, 15. 

Hessians, The, Hired to fight America, 194. 

Hobkirk's Hill, Battle of, 224. 

Hood, J. B., Driven from Atlanta, 329; de- 
feated at Nashville, 329. 

Hooker, Joseph, At Lookout, 322; in com- 
mand of the Army of the Potomac, 324. 

Houston, Sam, Sketch of, 298. 

Howe, General, Notices of, 192, 195. 

Hudson, Sir Henry, Explorations of, 49. 

Huguenots, The, Persecution of, 153. 

Hull, William, Disastrous campaign of, 249. 

Huron-Iroquois, Territorial position of, 12. 

Hutchinson, Anne, Notices of, 79, 106. 



Icelanders, Discover America, 15. 
Idaho, Becomes a State, 385. 
Illinois, Admission of, 266. 
Independence, Declaration of, 195; achieve- 
ment of, 227 ; centennial of, 350. 
Indiana, Admission of, 263. 
Indians, The, Sketch of, 11-14. 
Indian Territory, Organized, 272. 
Internal Revenue, Account of, 337. 
Inter-State Commerce Bill, 374. 
Iowa, Admission of, 281. 
Iroquois, The, Territorial position of, 12. 
Isabella, Favor of, to Columbus, 19. 
Italians, Slaughter of, at New Orleans, 385, 



Jablokoff, Inventor of the electric light, 367. 

Jackson, Andrew, In command against the 
Creeks, 254; at New Orleans, 261 ; elected 
President, 269; sketch of, 270; adminis- 
tration of, 270-274 ; death of, 289. 

Jackson, Stonewall, At Cedar Mountain, 
318; at Fredericksburg. ;il9; at Chancel- 
lorsville, .324 ; death of ,324. 

Jamestown, Founding of, 44. 

Japan, Opening of intercourse with, 295. 

Jay, John, Appointed chief-justice, 2.34; ne- 
gotiates a treaty with Great Britain, 2:56. 

Jeffferson, Thomas, Author of the Declara- 
tion, 194; Secretary of State, 234; Vice- 
President, 237; elected President, 240; 
administration of, 241-247. 

Jesuits, The, Discoveries of, 161, 162. 

Johnson, Andrew, Elected Vice-President, 
336; becomes President, 339; sketch of, 
339; administration of, .339-343; death of, 
;M9. 

Johnston, Joseph E., At Manassas, 307; 
wounded. 317; surrender of, 331 ; dies, 390. 

Johnstown, Pa., destruction of, 38;J, 

Jones, Paul, Great naval battle of, 215. 



Kansas, Troubles in, 296; admission of, 340. 
Kansas-Nebraska Bill, Account of, 296. 
Kearney, Philip, Expedition of, to Califor- 
nia, 284 ; killed at Chantilly, 318. 



Kearsarge, The, Destroys the Alabama, 333. 

Kenesaw Mountain, Battle of, 328, 

Kentucky, Admission of, 235. 

Kidd, William, Career of, 116. 

Kossuth, Louis, In the United States, 293. 



Labor Troubles, 371, 372, 387. 

La Fayette, Marquis de. Gives himself to 
the cause of liberty, 202; campaigns of, 
in Virginia, 225; visitof, to America, 267. 

La Salle, Explorations of, 161. 

Laudonniere, In Florida, 33. 

Lee, Charles, at Monmouth, 210. 

Lee, Richard Henry, Resolutions of Inde- 
pendence offered by. 194. 

Lee, Robert E.,In West Virginia, .307; com 
mander-in-chief of the Confederates 
317; invades Maryland, 318; at An tietam 
319; invades Pennsylvania, 325; in the 
Wilderness, 'S&i; retreat of , from Rich 
mond, 336; surrender of, 336; death of 
349. 

Lewis, Captain, Explorations of, 244. 

Lexington, Battle of, 187. 

Life-Saving Service, Establishment of, 358. 

Lincoln, Abraham, Elected President, 299; 
sketch of, 301 ; administration of, 301-338; 
issues Emancipation Proclamation, 320; 
re-elected, 336 ; assassination of, 337. 

Little Belt, The, Affair of, 249. 

Livingston, Edward, Purchases Louisiana, 
242. 

JjOcke, John, Prepares the Grand Model, 149. 

London Company, Organization of, 43; 
grant to, 43 and Maji II. 

Long Island, Battle of, 196. 

Lookout Mountain, Storming of, 322. 

Louisburg, Siege of, 100. 

Louisiana, Purchase of, 242; admission of, 
249; discord in, 347. 

Lundy's Lane, Battle of, 258. 

Lyon, Nathaniel, In Missouri, 308. 



M 



Madison, James, Elected President, 247; 
sketch of, 247 ; administration of, 247-264 ; 
death of, 274. 

Magellan, Ferdinand, Voyage of, 22. 

Maine, Admission of , 266. 

Malvern Hill, Battle of, 317. 

Manassas, Battle of, 308. 

Mandeville, Sir John. Views of, respecting 
the figure of the earth, 18. 

Marion, Francis, Career of, 217, 224. 

Maritime Conference, International, 383, 
384. 

Marshall. John, chief-justice, 242. 

Maryland, History of, 144-148. 

Mason, J. M.,310. 

Massachusetts, Colonization of, 35-48; his- 
tory of, 7.3-102. 

Mather, Cotton, 95. ^ 

McClellan, George B., in West Virginra, 
307; in command of the Army of the 
Potomac, 309; peninsular campaign of, 
316-318; at Antietam, 319; dies, 375. 

McKinley Bill, 384. 

Meade, George G., In command of the Army 
of the Potomac, 325 ; at Gettysburg, 325. 

Meigs, Colonel, At Sag Harbor, 201. 

Melendez, Pedro, In Florida. 27. 

Merrimac, Fights the Monitor, 313. 

Michigan, Admission of, 274. 



INDEX. 



415 



Mill Spring, Battle of, 312. 

Minnesota, Admission of, 297. 

Minuit, Peter, Governor of New Nether- 
land, 103. 

Missionary Ridge, Storming of, 323. 

Mississippi, Admission of, 265. 

Missouri, Admission of , 266. 

Missouri Compromise, History of, 266. 

Mobilians, Territorial posiMon of, 12. 

Modocs, The, War with, .347. 

Monitor, Fight of, with Merrimac, 313. 

Monmouth, Battle of, 210. 

Monroe, James, Elected President, 264 ; ad- 
ministration of, 264-267; death of, 274. 

Monroe Doctrine, The, 267. 

Montana, Becomes a .State, 379. 

Monterey, Storming of, 283. 

Montgomery, Richard, Expedition of, 
against Canada, 191 ; death of, 191. 

Morgan, Daniel, At the Cowpeus, 223. 

Morgan, John, Raid of, 323. 

Mormons, The, Account of, 279. 

Morris, Robert, Devotes his fortune to lib- 
erty, 199; secretary of finance, 222. 

Morris, T. A.. In West Virginia. 307. 

Morse, S. F. B., Invents the telegraph, 280. 

Morton, L. P., Vice-President, 378. 

Murfreesborough, Battle of, 315. 



N 

Narvaez, De, Governor of Florida, 23. 

Nashville, Siege of, 329. 

National Debt, The, Extent of, 339. 

Navy, American, Strengthened, 388. 

Nebraska, Admission of, 340. 

Negro Plot, The, In New York, 118. 

Nevada, Admission of, 336. 

New Amsterdam, Founding of, 50. 

New PJngland, Colonized, 47, 73, 120, 127, 137. 

New Hampshire, History of, 131-133. 

New Haven, Founding of, 123. 

New Jersey, History of, 134-138. 

New Netherland, History of, 103-110. 

New Orleans, Battle of, 262. 

New Sweden. Colonization of, 105; history 

of, ia5-108 ; extent of, see Map III. 
New York, Colonization of, 103 ; history of, 

103-119. 
New York City, Settlement of, 103 ; under 

the Dutch, 103-110; under the English, 

111-119; evacuation of. 227. 
Nez Perce Indians, War with, 355. 
Norsemen, The, Discovery of America by, 

15; traces of, in Rhode Island, 129. 
North Carolina, History of, 149-151. 
Northeastern Boundary, Settlement of, 

278. 
Northwest Territory, Division of, 241. 
Nullification, Account of, 271 ; a cause of 

the Civil War, 305. 



O 

Oglethorpe, James, Career of, in Georgia, 

156-160. 
Ohio, Organization and admission of, 242. 
Omnibus Bill, The, History of, 291. 
Orders in Council, The. Issued by Great 

Britain, 245 ; promised repeal, 247. 
Oregon, Admission of, 298. 



Pacific Railroad, The, Project of, 295; com- 
pletion of, 343. 
Palo Alto, Battle of, 282. 



Pan-American Congress, 383. 

Paper Money, First used in America, 94. 

Parris, Samuel, 95. 

Penn, W., In New Jersey, 137; proprietor of 

Pennsylvania, 139; sketch of, 140. 
Pennsylvania, History of, 139-143. 
Pension Legislation, .373, 374. 
Pequods, The, War with, 120. 
Perry, Oliver H.,Victory on Lake Erie, 253. 
Petersburg, Siege of, 335, 336. 
Philadelphia, Founding of, 141. 
Philip, King, War with, 86-90. 
Pierce, Franklin, President, 294; sketch of. 

295; administration of, 295, 296. 
Pitt, William, Defends America, 183. 
Pittsburg Landing, Battle of, 313. 
Plymouth. Founding of, 47. 
Plymouth Company, The, Organization ol. 

43; grant to, 43 and 3Iap II. 
Plymouth Council, The, Organization of, 

45 ; grant to, 45 and 3Tajj II. 
Pocahontas, Story of, 54. 
Polk, James K., President, 280; sketch of, 

281 ; administration of, 281-289. 
Pope, John, Campaign of, in Virginia, 318. 
Porter, Admiral, Bombards Vicksburg, 321 ; 

at Fort Fisher, 332. 
Port Royal, Founded, 34 ; siege of, 98. 
Portuguese. The, Discoveries of, 28. 
Princeton, Battle of, 201. 
Printing-Press, Set up in Cambridge, 81. 
Protection vs. Free Trade, In campaign of 

1888, 377, 378. 
Pulaski, Count. Honored for service at 

Brandy wine, 205. 
Puritans, The, Rise of, 46; at Leyden, 46; 

voyage of, to America, 47 ; compact of, 

47; character of, 101. 
Putnam, Israel, Exploit of, 213. 



Q 

Quakers, The, Persecutions of, 84; coloni- 
zation of Pennsylvania by, 139. 

Quebec, Founding of, :M ; expedition of 
Walker against, 99 ; captured by Wolfe, 
176; expedition of Arnold against, 191. 

Quorum, In Congress, rule for counting, 



Railroad Strike, The, History of, 354. 

Raleigh, Sir Walter, Attempts of , to colo- 
nize America, 39; founds Raleigh, 41. 

Reconstruction, Difficulties of, 341, .342. 

Red River Expedition, The, Account of, 327. 

Resaca De La Palma. Battle of, 283. 

Resumption Act, Adoption of, 356. 

Resumption, Of Specie Payments, 358. 

Revolution, The, Causes of. 179-186. 

Rhode Island, History of, 127-130. 

Ribault, John, Voyages of. 32. 

Richmond, Capital of the Confederacy, 303. 
evacuation and burning of, '£i6. 

Roebling. Father and son, and the East 
River Bridge, 367, .368. 

Rolfe, John, Account of, 61. 

Rosecrans, W. S., At Murfreesborough, 315; 
at Chickamauga, 322. 

Ryswick, Treaty of, 95. 



Salem, Founded, 76; witchcraft at, 95. 
Samoa, Trouble about, 382. 
Sander's Creek, Battle of, 218. 



416 



INDEX. 



Santa Anna, At Buena Vista, 285; at Cerro 
Gordo, 286; driven from Mexico, 287. 

8anto Domingo, Project to annex, 345. 

Savannah, Founding of, 157; conquest of, 
212; capture of . by Sherman, 330. 

Scott, Winlield, At Lundy's Lane, 2.58; plans 

, the in vasion of Mexico, 285 ; at Vera Cruz, 
285 ; at Cerro Gordo, 286; in Mexico, 288; 
commander-in-chief of Union Army, 303. 

Seal Fisheries, In Bering Sea, 387, 388. 

Secession, Account of, '299. 

Seminoles, The, War with, 265, 272. 

Seven Days' Battles, The, Account of, 317. 

Seward, William H., Secretary of State, 301 ; 
diplomacy of, in the Trent affair, 311 ; at- 
tempted assassination of, 337; death, 349. 

Sheridan, Philip H., in the Shenandoah 
Vallev, 3.35; assumes command of the 
U. S. Army, 369 ; dies, 389. 

Sherman, W. T., At Chickasaw Bayou, 315 ; 
from Chattanooga to Atlanta, 328; 
March to the Sea, 330; from Savannah 
to Raleigh, 330; retires, 369; dies, 390. 

Silver, .356, 384, 385, 389. 

Sioux Indians, War with, 350, 351. 

Slavery, Introduction of, 63; exclusion of , 
from Georgia. 158; a cause of the Civil 
War, 301 ; abolished, .320, 339. 

Slidell, John, Ambassador of the Confeder- 
acy, 310 ; capture of, 310. 

Smith, John, Voyages of, in New England, 
44; captured, 45 ; troubles of, at James- 
town, 52; sketch of, 52; captivity of, 53 ; 
exploration of Chesapeake Bay by, 56; 
president of Virginia, 57. 

Sons of Liberty, Organization of, 183. 

Sothel. Seth, Career of, in North Carolina, 
150; in South Carolina, 153. 

South Carolina, Colonization of, 152; his- 
tory of, 152-156. 

Spain, Discovers and colonizes America, 
18-29; territorial possessions of, in 1665, 
Map III ; treaty with, 265. 

Springfield, Battle of, 309. 

Stamp Act, Passage of, 181 ; repeal of, 183. 

Standish,Miles,General of New England, 73. 

Stanton, Edwin M., Secretary of War, 301 ; 
death of, 349. 

State Rights, Advocated in South Carolina, 
271 ; a cause of the Civil War, .303. 

St. Augustine, Founding of , 27. 

St. Clair, Arthur, Expedition of, 235. 

Steamboat, The, Invention of, 246. 

Stephens, Alexander H. .Opposes secession, 
299; Vice-President of Confederacy, 300. 

Stevenson, Adlai E., Vice-President, :i89. 

Stony Point, Capture of, by the British, 213 ; 
retaken by Wayne, 213. 

Stuyvesant. Peter, Administration of, in 
New Netherland, 107-110. 

Sumner, Charles, Death of. 349. 

Sumter, Thomas, In the Carolinas, 217, 224. 

Supreme Court, Organization of, 234. 



Tariff, The, Question of, 269, 271, .^84. 
Taylor, Zachary, Sent to occupy Texas. 282 ; 

at Buena Vista, 285; elected President. 

289; sketch of, 290; administration of, 

290, 291 ; death of, 291. 
Taylor, Bayard, death of. 361. 
Tea-Party, The Boston. Celebrated, 185. 
Tecumtha, War with. 248: death of, 254. 
Telegraph, The, Invention of, 280. 
Telephone, Invention of, 366. .367. 
Tennessee, Colonization of, 184; admission 

of, 237. 



Territorial Development. Of the United 
States, 345 and Map V. 

Territories of the United States. Final form 
of, 340. 

Texas, Pearly history of, 279; annexation of, 
proposed, 280; admission of, 281. 

Ticonderoga, Exped. of Johnson against, 
170; attack on, by Abercrombie, 173; 
capture of, by Ethan Allen, 188. 

Tippecanoe, Battle of, 249. 

Tompkins, D. D., Vice-President, 264. 

Treaty, Of Utrecht, 99; of Aix-la-Chapelle, 
101 ; of Paris ( 1763), 177 ; of alliance with 
France,208; definitive, of 1783,227; Jay's, 
236 ; of Ghent, 262; of Washington (1819), 
265 ; the Webster-Ashburton, 278; of Gua- 
dalupe Hidalgo, 288; of Washington 
(1872), .34.5. 

Trenton, Battle of, 199. 

Tyler, John, Vice-President, 277; President, 
277; sketch of, 277; administration of, 
277-281, 



Utah, Colonization, 279; difiiculties in, 297. 



Valley Forge, American army at. 207. 
Van Buren, Martin, Elected President, 

274; sketch of, 275; administration of, 

275-277. 
Vermont, Admission of. 234. 
Verrazzani, John, Voyage of, 29. 
Vespucci, Voyages of, 20. 
V^icksburg, Siege of, 321. 
Vinland, Limits of, 17. 
Virginia, Name of, 40; Colonization of, 4^ 

history of, 51-72. 



W 



Wadsworth, Jos., Hides the charter, 92. 

Wallace, Lewis, at Romney, 307; defend? 
Cincinnati, 314 ; on the Monocacy. 335. 

War, King Philip's. 86; King William 's, 93 ; 
Queen Anne's, 98; King George's. 100, 
Pequod,r20; French and Indian, 161-178; 
Revolutionary, 179-228; of 181-2,247-262; 
Black Hawk, 272; with Mexico, 281-288; 
the Civil,. 301-338; Modoc, 347 ; Sioux, 350; 
Nez Perce. 355. 

Warren, Joseph, at Bunker Hill, 189. 

Washington. Becomes a State, 379. 

Washington City, Founding of, 240; cap- 
ture of. by the British. 260. 

Washington. George, Sent to the French. 
163; builds Fort Necessity, 165; with 
Braddock. 166; made general-in-chief. 
190; sketch of, 190; negotiations of, with 
Howe. 195 ; retreat of, across New Jersev, 
198; at Trenton. 199; at Princeton, 201: 
at Brandy wine, 205; sorrows of, 207; at 
Monmouth, 210; at Yorktown, 226; fa- 
vors Union, 230; chosen President, 232; 
administration of, 2.33-237; Farewell Ad- 
dress of, 237 ; death of, 239. 

Washington Monument. Completed. 369. 

Wayne. Anthony. At Stony Point, 213; ex 
pedition of, against the Indians, 236. 

Webster. Daniel, Debate with Hayne, 271. 
concludes Ashburton treaty, 278. 

Weslej', Charles, Methodist and poet, 158. 

Wesley, John, In Georgia, 158. 

West Virginia. Admission of. 326, 



INDEX. 



417 



Whig Tarty, The, In power, 277, 289. 

Whisky Insurrection, Tlie. Account of, 235. 

Whitefield, George, In Georgia, 158. 

Whitney, Kli, Invents the Cotton Gin, 304. 

Wilderness, The, Battles in, 333. 

Williams, Roger, Minister of Salem, 77; 
banishment of, 77; founder of Provi- 
dence, 78; sketch of, 127. 

Wilson, Henry, Vice-President, 346; death 
of, 349. 

Winthrop, John, Governor of Massachu- 
setts, 76. 

Winthrop. The Younger, Leader of the 
Connecticut colony, 124. 

Wisconsin, Admission of. 289. 

Witchcraft, The Salem, Story of, 95. 



Wolfe, .lames. Expedition of, against Que- 
bec, 175; death of, 177. 
World's Fair, The, Account of, 295, 392, 393. 
Wyoming, Ma.ssacre of, 211. 
Wyoming. Becomes a State, 385. 



Yale College, Founding of, 125. 
Yeamans, Sir John, (iov. of Carolina, 149. 
Yellow Fever Epidemic, Account of, 356. 
Yorktown, Siege of, 226. 
Yusef, The Tripolitan Emperor, Makes 
offers for peace, 243. 



MjQ 9 1904 




° 011448 383 


















